Oil drilling in the ANWR
How would you feel if you were forced to move from property that has been in your family for centuries because someone wanted to dig holes in it? This type of situation is currently a reality for some individuals in Alaska. Many Americans are trying to convince Congress to pass a bill sanctioning oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Although this would make America less dependent on foreign countries for our oil supply, it would endanger many species that live on the vast tundra.
After numerous studies, researchers have estimated that by tapping oil reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, our nation's dependence on foreign oil reserves would only decrease by about four percent. It has also been concluded that gasoline prices would drop by one cent or less per gallon and that none of this would take effect until the year 2025 or later. Another study conducted by the U.S. Geological Services established that there are about sixteen billion barrels of oil under the coastal plain. This seems like a lot, but it would actually only supply the United States for less than a year.
With the huge threat to wildlife and small amount of benefits from drilling for oil in the ANWR, is it really worth it?
2 comments:
I find it interesting that it is assumed that oil drilling in ANWR would pose a "huge threat to wildlife." Populations of many species of Alaskan wildlife in and around the Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, less than 200 miles to the west of ANWR's Coastal Plain (where oil drilling would occur), have increased in the 29 years the field has been producing oil. Oil companies spend millions of dollars to minimize the impact on wildlife and avoid causing even small spills, because when they do, they are heavily fined by environmental agencies. Yes, wildlife is affected by the presence of drilling equipment and all that comes with it, and yes, some spills do happen. But, after working in Prudhoe Bay for two summers, I've come to the conclusion that the impact of drilling on the environment in Alaska is very small and that the debate of whether or not to drill in ANWR should be based on whether or not we want to continue to rely on imported oil to satisfy our growing energy needs.
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