Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2004

H.R. 4514, the Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2004, proposes to open a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to oil and gas exploration and development. The bill would establish a competitive leasing program for energy companies and repeal existing legal prohibitions against oil production in this specific region.

If enacted, the bill would aim to increase domestic energy production, though it would also implement specific environmental protections and allow the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain "Special Areas" to limit surface impacts. Additionally, the legislation would create a local assistance fund to help Alaskan communities manage the infrastructure and social impacts resulting from new energy projects. The bill also includes provisions to expedite legal challenges by requiring any lawsuits related to the leasing program to be filed within 90 days.