The Trump Administration is expected to endorse limited drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. The endorsement follows the passage of a Republican-sponsored tax bill in December that mandated the drilling in a bid to raise money for federal tax cuts.
Background
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, is a vast 19.6 million acre region of seismically active, majestic mountains, tundra, and wildlife native to the harsh but beautiful arctic environment. Throughout the 1980s, 1980s, and 1990s ANWR had become a major battleground in the environment and development debate, with supporters of the refuge arguing for wilderness preservation and opponents arguing for development of oil and gas reserves.
Endorsement
Today, the newly endorsed limited drilling of ANWR has been framed as a compromise by many on both sides of the issue, with the Administration endorsing limited drilling access in the coastal plain area of the refuge north of the Brooks Range. This would include at least two leases of up to 400,000 acres each, and an estimated 6.6 to 11.8 billion barrels of oil in economically recoverable reserves.
Implications
Supporters of drilling in ANWR argue that it will provide much-needed federal revenue, jobs, and local economic growth for the region. On the other hand, opponents are concerned about the potential for significant environmental damage to the fragile arctic environment, as well as the human rights of native communities living in the area.
Conclusion
Overall, the recent endorsement of limited drilling in ANWR poses significant implications for the environment, economy, and local communities in the region. It remains to be seen how for the endorsement will be carried out and the long-term impacts of this decision.
Pro’s:
- Provide much-needed federal revenue, jobs, and local economic growth for the region
- Estimated 6.6 to 11.8 billion barrels of oil
Con’s:
- Potential for significant environmental damage
- Human rights of native communities living in the area
Today, it was announced that the federal government will grant its endorsement of limited drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge project. After years of deliberation and debate, the commissioner of the Bureau of Land Management stated that the decision will enable the drilling of two exploratory wells in the wildlife refuge area while providing the required safeguards to protect the environment and wildlife.
The project is expected to provide between five to nine billion barrels of oil in its estimated lifespan. The two exploratory wells will be initially placed in the furthestmost northern point of the refuge and are only to be used for exploratory purposes. The area surveyed is estimated to cover 1.5 million acres which make up the refuge.
The announcement created a stir in environmentalist circles, as advocates worry about potential environmental damage from the drilling on caribou and other wildlife in the area. However, the BLM is confident that the exploratory wells are the only ones that will be drilled under the endorsement and that the drilling will be closely inspected and monitored for any environmental issues.
The administration’s decision to endorse the limited drilling project has been met with both cheers and criticism from a variety of groups. Supporters of the project see it as an opportunity to open up a portion of America’s vast oil supply to help provide Americans with much needed resources. Meanwhile, opponents remain firmly against any kind of drilling in the area, saying that the decision violates the laws protecting the environment and the animals that inhabit the area.
Although the future of the project is uncertain, it appears that the administration’s decision to endorse the limited drilling project is one that sets the precedent for years to come. Only time will tell if the project will be a success, but for now, it appears that the drilling is set to move forward.
