WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voiced support for a state-based regulatory system of domestic natural gas production during a forum on the shale boom before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The shale gas boom has clearly been a game changer for our country. It’s allowed us to access an abundant, affordable and clean source of domestic energy. The potential benefits to our economy are clear and we should do everything we can to make sure we don’t mess it up,” Murkowski said.

“I support strong regulation of gas production, but I continue to believe that the states are best positioned to address and respond to environmental and other community concerns within their borders. This resource is too important to our future economic development and energy security to move forward in any other way.”