Drilling in ANWR The United States has only 3% of the world’s oil reserves, yet it consumes 25% of the world’s production.

Table of Contents What is ANWR? What is ANWR? History of ANWR History of ANWR What is the controversy What is the controversy Pros Pros Cons Cons

What is ANWR ANWR stands for Alaska National Wildlife Refuge ANWR stands for Alaska National Wildlife Refuge Largest wildlife refuge in United States Largest wildlife refuge in United States Consists of 19million acres Consists of 19million acres Has a native population of 220 residents in Kaktovik Has a native population of 220 residents in Kaktovik

History of ANWR 1923 – 23million acres of land set aside as an oil reserve 1923 – 23million acres of land set aside as an oil reserve – government created two areas: – government created two areas: One for the production of oil and natural gas One for the production of oil and natural gas One to be used as a wildlife refuge originally 8.9million acres One to be used as a wildlife refuge originally 8.9million acres 1980 – Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was passed – increased ANWR to 19million acres 1980 – Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was passed – increased ANWR to 19million acres

So what is the big deal? Should the drilling of oil occur in ANWR or should it remain a wildlife sanctuary? Two main debates: The drilling of oil could help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. The drilling of oil could help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. The drilling of oil will disrupt the environment of many species of animals. The drilling of oil will disrupt the environment of many species of animals.

Pros of Drilling Drilling is planned to occur in <2,000 of the 19 million acres Drilling is planned to occur in <2,000 of the 19 million acres Could generate close $1.3billion for the federal treasury Could generate close $1.3billion for the federal treasury Estimated to have approximately 10.4billion barrels of oil and 150ft 3 /year of natural gas Estimated to have approximately 10.4billion barrels of oil and 150ft 3 /year of natural gas Estimated to provide more than 700,000 jobs for Americans Estimated to provide more than 700,000 jobs for Americans Would decrease dependence on foreign oil Would decrease dependence on foreign oil

Who supports drilling? Both President George W. Bush and the House Representatives Both President George W. Bush and the House Representatives Alaska State Government Alaska State Government Citizens of Alaska Citizens of Alaska Oil and Gas Companies Oil and Gas Companies

Cons of Drilling Could harm the habitat of thousands of species of animals Could harm the habitat of thousands of species of animals Oil from ANWR is not expected to significantly impact world oil prices Oil from ANWR is not expected to significantly impact world oil prices Estimates say that the oil or gas will take approximately 5-10years to reach the market Estimates say that the oil or gas will take approximately 5-10years to reach the market Only projected to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil by 8% by 2025 Only projected to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil by 8% by 2025

Who doesn’t support drilling? Environmental Groups Environmental Groups Democratic Party Democratic Party Alaska Inter-Tribal Council Alaska Inter-Tribal Council

Other Aspects to Consider The amount of oil is only estimated to supply the United States for ~1.4years The amount of oil is only estimated to supply the United States for ~1.4years New oil technology have been designed to utilize the least amount of land surface possible New oil technology have been designed to utilize the least amount of land surface possible The amount of oil available is uncertain, it is currently based on estimates The amount of oil available is uncertain, it is currently based on estimates The oil produced can not be exported, is solely for United States The oil produced can not be exported, is solely for United States Costs and time scale are very uncertain Costs and time scale are very uncertain

So, the question is: Should the Unites States allow drilling in ANWR or not?

Sources Policy006.pdf Policy006.pdf en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artic_Refuge_drilling_contr oversy en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artic_Refuge_drilling_contr oversy ent/EM763.cfm ent/EM763.cfm

Sources dyn/content/article/2005/12/21/AR html dyn/content/article/2005/12/21/AR html