The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

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Utilize Natural Resources Intelligently The world is dependent upon oil and America is leading the way in oil consumption. Many people reject the idea that there is a finite supply of oil in the world and they advocate extracting oil from wherever it lies, at all costs. One of the places being considered right now is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Drilling for oil in Alaska has been an issue of debate for over a decade. Proponents of Alaskan oil development argue it could reduce our dependence upon foreign nations and boost the economy. They may be thinking about tomorrow, but they’re not looking at the big picture. We should not risk spoiling America’s greatest wilderness to better supply our growing demands for oil. The…show more content…
economy. Oil tycoons and their friends in the white house think the answer to the current oil crisis is to roll back regulations designed to protect the environment and open up delicate habitats, such as ANWR, for oil development. Even the most liberal estimates of recoverable oil remaining in ANWR range from 9 - 16 billion barrels, less than a three year supply for the U.S. Why take grave risks for such short term benefits? The Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the nation’s most effective environmental action groups, states, “...a ‘drill first, ask questions later’ strategy is not an effective, sustainable solution”(Reducing America’s Energy Dependence). How could our leaders be so short-sighted? When the wells run dry, it is inevitable that all those who found employment will be left without a job, unable to support themselves and their families. The increased revenue, money we would begin to depend on as part of the federal budget, will no longer be available (Top Ten…show more content…
10 April 2008. . - - -. “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Campaign.” 11 April 2008. . - - -. “History and Background.” 12 April 2008. . Pahl, Greg. “Solar Energy”. the Citizen Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis. White River Junction: Chelsea Green, 2007. “Product Supplied.” Energy Information Administration. 13 April 2008. . - - -. “U.S. Imports by Country of Origin.” 14 April 2008. . - - -. “World Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves.” 15 April 2008. . “Reducing America’s Energy Independence.” Natural Resources Defense Council. 17 April 2008. . “Top Ten Reasons to Support ANWR Development.” anwr.org. 19 April 2008.

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