Why is the ANWR so important?

ANWR is one of the least disturbed ecosystems on Earth, giving it global significance for scientific research and as part of Earth's natural heritage. ANWR is also thought to hold considerable reserves of oil and gas.Mar 13, 2002

Why we should drill in ANWR?

ANWR is the largest oil reserve in North America . If we have it than we should use it, especially since it is needed more than ever before. Drilling will also increase oil revenues for the state of Alaska , which is a huge benefit. And drilling oil in ANWR could possibly lower gas prices at the pump.

What is the argument about ANWR?

Opponents say the ANWR deposits offer a relatively limited source of oil and fear the long-term impact of drilling on wildlife in a largely undisturbed — though not pristine — wilderness area.

What is significant about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ANWR related to oil?

This area is viewed as a promising onshore oil prospect and is also a center of activity for caribou and other wildlife. It is designated as critical habitat for polar bears under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. §§1531-1544).

What are the economic benefits of opening ANWR to oil exploration?

Opening a small portion of ANWR to energy production could create tens of thousands of American jobs and contribute to significant economic growth. In addition, development is estimated to bring in between $150 billion and $296 billion in new federal revenue.

What are the environmental concerns with opening ANWR to oil exploration?

Democrats, native tribes in the area and environmental groups have long opposed the government's plan to open the refuge to oil and gas drilling, arguing that it will not only cause an increase in greenhouse gas emissions but also lead to spills and fragment important wildlife habitat.

Why we should not drill ANWR?

Drilling will not reduce fuel prices, and will not make us more energy independent. The only way to achieve these goals is to reduce our dependence on oil – foreign or domestic – through fuel economy, and a cap on carbon emissions. A carbon cap will spur innovation and shift us into a green energy economy.

Why is ANWR controversial?

Much of the debate over whether to drill in the 1002 area of ANWR rests on the amount of economically recoverable oil, as it relates to world oil markets, weighed against the potential harm oil exploration might have upon the natural wildlife, in particular the calving ground of the Porcupine caribou.

How much oil comes from ANWR?

between 4.3 and 11.8 billion barrels Technically recoverable oil within the ANWR 1002 area (excluding State and Native areas) is estimated to be between 4.3 and 11.8 billion barrels (95- and 5-percent probability range), with a mean value of 7.7 billion barrels (table 1).

What are the impacts to biodiversity with opening ANWR to oil drilling?

Effects on Wildlife It can be poisonous if ingested. It can also kill plants, and is very difficult to clean up. When companies are exploring for oil, they drive huge tundra tractors that can rip up vegetation and destroy permafrost. “You can still see the tracks decades later,” says Boelman.