Abstract This paper looks at the pros and cons of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). It looks at issues and conflicts of the drilling argument and the need for oil in the U.S. as opposed to the quality of life issue for certain animal species.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial environmental issues being discussed recently is whether or not to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The ANWR was first set aside as ..."
Tags: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Oil, Conservation, Environment
Abstract Discusses pros & cons of limited oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). History of attempts to protect ANWR and attempts to open up the refuge for oil drilling & gas exploration. Impact on environment. Economic factors (fuel prices, creation of additional jobs). Other forms of energy. Quality of life issue.
From the Paper "Introduction
Although it was first discovered in 1799, Alaska was not officially admitted into the union as a state until 1959. Up until that time, Alaska's history had been littered with settlers from all over the world who found opportunity in the harsh climate of the land, during the gold rush, when oil was first discovered, and even now in its thriving fishing industry. Alaska's shores were also the sight of a sustained attack by Japanese forces during World War II that took two years to beat back (ExploreNorth 2001). Now, Alaska is also known for its wildlife, massive spaces, the pioneering and independent attitudes of its residents, as well as the brutality of its seasons. Indeed, Alaska has been called the last frontier of the United States."
This paper examines the ongoing debate between those who support the oil industry and those who wish to protect the Alaskan coastal plains from being drilled in search of oil.
Abstract This paper summarizes the argument against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the basis of damage that would be caused to the environment and the wildlife inhabiting the region. The topic is connected to the events of September 11th which nearly allowed the Republicans to push through an emergency Energy Security Bill, allowing for the extraction of oil from the ANWR.
From the Paper "In the past 10 months many people have claimed that the world as we knew it a year ago has been profoundly and irreversibly transformed with the events of September 11th, 2001. Others have attacked these claims as being yet another example of American ethnocentrism and egocentricity: the world has not changed, the USA simply got a taste of reality. However, whether the United States was living in a sheltered state of denial in which true poverty, destruction and war never found a home on its shores, or whether the world truly has changed entirely, is a subject for a different debate and a different paper."
Abstract This paper explains that the northern slopes of Alaska's one hundred fifty million acre coastal plain, which is part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), is abundant in both oil and gas reserves and is the number one prospect for United States' oil and gas development. The author points out that the use of wildlife refuges and wilderness areas for energy development has become a very hot topic, especially in Alaska, because of the United States' dependence on foreign oil. The paper relates that researchers and developers are seeking new technologies to drill for and transport the oil without hurting the surrounding environment in the process.
From the Paper "According to government estimates, the equivalent of one billion, four hundred million barrels of oil are tucked away under Teshekpuk Lake. This lake is Alaska's third largest lake. Teshekpuk, which means big enclosed coastal water. This is where the Pacific Black Brant migrates for its annual molt. Migratory birds, as well as moose, bear and fish take full advantage of this wild life refuge. Many make their home there and
others migrate to this placid lake every year."
A look at claims made by geologists that oil could be found in other locations, and the argument against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Abstract This paper describes how geologists and oil companies have proposed that research drilling should be carried out in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), in the hope that it will cease US reliance on foreign oil sources. While this has become a hot-button issue on many of the campaigns for the 2008 hopefuls, this paper argues against the idea.
From the Paper "With the 2008 elections looming, many politicians are jumping on one bandwagon or another. With anti-war feelings at an all-time high, even the staunchest conservative has been looking to alternate forms of energy for American consumers in an effort to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. To that end, geologists and oil companies have proposed that we research drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), stating that drilling for oil here will cease our reliance on foreign oil sources. This has been proven time and again not to be the case; nevertheless, it has become a hot-button issue on many of the campaigns for the 2008 hopefuls. Democrats like Obama, Clinton, and John Edwards oppose drilling in ANWR, while Republican candidates Fred Thompson, Sam Brownback, and Ronald Paul support the movement."
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of energy subsidies and how they have had an effect on society. From giving the companies the influence they need to push drilling legislation to effects on world hunger, energy subsidies have been problematic for the ecology of this nation as well as the world; they have been a distorting force in the market place and have been detrimental to the social condition of this planet. From the pressures to drill ANWR to Third World poverty, energy subsidies have created a superpower out of the resource lobby. The various consequences of the subsidies are chronicled, and several solutions are also presented.
From the Paper "In order to deal with the transition to more renewable sources and a more efficient economy, there is no reason why those who are "environmentally virtuous" should not be rewarded. Belgium has cut sales taxes for energy saving devices by 2/3 of the original amount and conversely has made those who drive inefficient vehicles pay more in road taxes. Denmark and Norway have also tied vehicle size to the amount of taxes paid on them. The best part of this plan is that does not change the amount of taxes paid and does not change a given nations position, meaning that it can be done with only that one nation's interest in mind."
Abstract This paper describes what the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge actually is. It covers the pros and cons of drilling for oil in the refuge from political, economical, religious perspectives. It gives the writer's opinion on the topic, which is NOT to drill in the refuge. It then gives alternative ideas to drilling and backs them up with facts from credible sources like the U.S. Geological Survey.
From the Paper "An environmental masterpiece to be preserved, or an economic opportunity waiting to be tapped? This is the debate that has been persistent around the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for over 40 years. It is also a mainstream argument for many environmental philosophies. Pro-drilling advocates tend to take on Judeo-Christian beliefs, while anti-drilling organizations stick with conservation or preservationist values. These two groups portray their views over the internet using many types of representation, false or not, to convince readers their position is correct. Both sides have their pros and cons, but my opinion on the topic is that drilling for oil in the ANWR is a poor idea due to inevitable environmental complications."
