"That is clearly energy that America needs," said David Garman, US Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, referring to the Alaskan refuge. "That is energy we need to bring to market," he added.

Testifying before the House Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee on US energy policy, Garman said if ANWR had been opened to drilling 10 years ago, "it is conceivable that new Alaskan oil reserves could be moving into the market today."

The House could vote as early as next month on broad energy legislation that would allow drilling in the refuge.

Separately, Garman said the administration would oppose putting in the energy bill a national requirement that utilities generate more of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power.

"We believe individual states are best suited to craft a (renewable portfolio standard) that meets their needs taking into account the renewable energy resource available in that state," he said.

Garman pointed out that 18 states have already adopted such standards in some form.

Garman reiterated the administration's support for increasing production of ethanol and biodiesel to stretch gasoline supplies and reduce US dependence on imported oil.

Democratic Rep. Edward Markey criticized the administration for focusing too much on drilling in ANWR and not doing enough to reduce US energy consumption.