5 as wildlife refuge (Lee). Oil companies estimate that only 2,000 acres would be needed to develop the coastal plain, just 1% of the caribou's habitat (Lee). The caribou population in this area has been growing rapidly over the years and will most likely not be harmed by the oil drilling (Cronin, et al).
A good example is in nearby Prudhoe Bay, since 1972 the Central Arctic Heard has grown from 5,000 to 27,000 animals (Streever). Caribou density and calf production are as high in the oil fields as they are in undeveloped areas; these caribou do use and travel through the developed area (Streever). The oil from Prudhoe Bay and surrounding areas also supplies 80% of Alaska's unrestricted general revenue (Lovins). Alaskan Politicians have used every rise in oil prices since 1973 to advocate drilling beneath federal lands on the ANWR in order to gain more money for the state (Lee). Drilling the oil in the ANWR will not have any terrible effects on the environment, and will also help Alaska by providing money for the state and its people, while boosting its economy.
Despite an increase in revenue, and minimal changes to the environment, no matter how careful oil companies are, at least some small accidents are bound to occur. In an area where memories of the massive Exxon Valdez oil spill are still eminent, some people wonder if the amount of oil is worth the potential risk (Kaiser). Conservation groups claim that spills in the Refuge similar to the ones around it could have a devastating impact on sensitive wildlife species that live there (Higgins). A study of diesel spills in Alaska's Arctic found that, after 28 years, substantial hydrocarbons remained in the soil and most of the vegetation in the area of the spills had not recovered (Higgins). "The cleanups do not restore the environment to the way it was before hand," said Melanie Duchin, climate campaign director for Greenpeace (Higgins).