Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Pumped into Commission

United States oil companies depend on U.S. land for domestic oil production just as the United States needs domestic oil companies to be more energy self-sufficient. The demand for oil has become a topic for discussion and how to obtain it is an even bigger concern. The President and other politicians have been debating whether or not to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil production. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, known as ANWR, is 19.5 million acres of wildlife reserve in northeastern Alaska. The land is filled with many animals, including polar bears, wolves, wolverines, and grizzly bears, which make their home in the reserve. Designated for protection in 1960 by President Eisenhower, the refuge has been a critical spot for environmentalists for years, while being coveted by some of America's biggest oil companies. After Congress banned oil development in the refuge, oil industry lobbyists and Alaska's congressional delegation have sought to overturn the legislation. Still others in Congress have tried to end the debate by declaring the refuge's oil-rich coastal plain a permanently protected wilderness. Opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

in Alaska to the highest bidding oil company would not only ensure the ruin of the Alaskan habitat, but also waste time and money.

With all of the research done to gather the best possible information to make a decision on the "hot topic", it is still hard to get either side to give in. The effects of the oil production would leave numerous animals without a home, and many native Alaskans upset. The polls and surveys make clear that the majority of the American public does not want to damage such a beautiful refuge. In addition, even if leases were sold today, oil would not likely begin to flow out of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a decade, and then they may have little impact on either prices or global oil markets, many energy experts say. "As long as the Persian Gulf nations have a lot of oil, they're going to dominate the world market whether we allow drilling in environmentally sensitive areas or not," says Jerry Taylor, an energy expert at the free market-oriented CATO Institute (White 2). As of today, the battle continues between oil companies and supporters of the Arctic National Wildlife

sue in the presidential campaign between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Bush stated his desire to develop its oil, seemed to have blinders on when he stated, "I think we can [open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge] in a way that doesn't damage the environment" (White 1). Gore wanted the refuge to stay off limits to drilling because of its environmental and ecological value.

Gasoline prices are directly affected by oil prices, which in turn affect and worry most Americans. Because of the huge effect on the individual's checkbook, many people are making rash decisions about whether to open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge without the research that they need to understand the situation. If no one steps into help, this animal habitat is in danger of being sold to the highest bidder. Special interest groups, such as the Wilderness Society and the Alaska Wilderness League, have set out to stop oil production in this area and to educate people with the facts. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should be saved and not be open for oil production.

One major reason that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be free for oil companies to explore is the overwhelming harm that it would do to the beautiful refuge and its native animal habitat. Patrick Mrotek of the Arctic Protection Network remembers it as “a truly magnificent untamed wilderness” (“Why Protect It?” 2). The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been a home for many endangered animals. If the oil companies were to start exploration, these animals would need a place to live. Alaskan natives are putting pressure on the gover

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