Drillling for Oil in Alaska - Efficient?

Everyone knows the high prices of gasoline in the US right now and as the prices reach almost record highs, President Bush as well as GOP lawmakers said opening the refuge would help hold down costs and reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil. Opponents disputed that and said drilling would mar the environment and provide little benefit. While both sides have decent points, which option would be more efficient and economical, more politically correct, and overall the best decision? What do you think?