Controversy of Oil Drilling in ANWR

¶ … Against Drilling for Oil in Alaska

The subject of oil drilling in Alaska has been controversial. With declining oil reserves attention of society, and the oil companies, to identify potential new oil reserves. Although oil drilling in Alaska currently only makes up about 7% of U.S. oil supplies, surveys have indicated there could be sizable reserves within Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) (Bourne, 2015). There have been articles published which support the idea of exploring and granting drilling licenses, but there are also dissenting articles which argue against the idea. Interestingly, an article that appears to support the drilling is presented by Bourne, (2015), published in National Geographic, which presents a number of arguments in favor of drilling. Conversely, an article that supports a ban on drilling in thru ANWR is published by Jans (2015) in USA Today. Each article will be reviewed and the arguments assessed.

Bourne (2015) looks at how recent legislation increasing the boundaries of the protected ANWR will prevent oil drilling in the area. Bourne notes that the decision has annoyed many Alaskans, stating that Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski claimed it was a "stunning attack on our sovereignty" (Bourne, 2015). Bourne's argument starts with an economic approach, stating that Alaska needs the money, and states that while oil drilling is being prevented in Alaska, other countries that have arctic resources are increasing their development. Examples are provided; Norway will be opening up more areas in the Barets Sea, and Gasprom of Russia has announced they will drill four more wells in the Pechora Sea (Bourne, 2015). Alaska has suffered with declining production the existing oil wells, and with falling prices the result is a deficit of $3.5 billion due to the lower tax revenues being received (Bourne, 2015). The author accepts that most of the oil reserves are likely to be offshore, and there is uncertainty regarding the actual level of oil reserves which may be present, but the economic argument in favor of allowing drilling is clear.

Jans (2015) writes an article against the drilling, in support of the extended boundary for the ANWR. Jans notes that one of the major issues may not be whether or not drilling should be allowed, but the right of the Alaskans to be the ones to decide. Jans (2015) notes feelings of resentment by Alaskans regarding the way the land being protected was gained in a 'federal land grab' in 1970. However, Jans goes on to argue that there is no proof that oil exists in the area, other than the cursory geologists surveys. Jans also makes the environment argument regarding protection of the environment. He notes that the area may look like a frozen dessert in winter, but polar bears will dig dens to bear their cubs. In the summer it is a vital natural habit for wildlife; it is the valuable habitat for the Porcupine Caribou, a nesting ground for many migratory birds, and many other animal all of which are intolerant of human development, so they will suffer if drilling takes place. Jan's states scientists have argued the polar bears, which are already in decline, could disappear if drilling went ahead.