Abstract
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the most promising onshore area for oil exploration and one of the wildest areas remaining in the United States. Therefore, the conflict between the need to develop energy resources and the desire to preserve wild areas has led to the prolonged debate over the merits of programs to lease the region for oil exploration and development. According to the paper, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would cause environmental costs that include some elements that are essentially certain, as well as elements that are uncertain, such as the unpredictable effects on the number and health of certain important species. The paper concludes that development is environmentally damaging no matter the cautions, because it alters the wild state of the region forever.

From the Paper
"When Alaska entered the Union in 1958, Congress transferred an exceptionally large amount of land to the new state, and at the same time, the Department of the Interior used its authority to administratively reserve land for federal use, resulting to decades of controversy and disputes (Grover). Since 1957, the United States Department of the Interior has exercised primary administrative authority over most of the land comprising modern-day ANWR Grover). This fact has meant that a great deal to people who care about the Refuge (Grover). Federal management has produced a land that is valued as much for its unique wilderness character as it is prized for its suspected mineral wealth, and in particular, it has precluded significant petroleum exploration and development of the Refuge (Grover)."

Tags:biological, oil, area, north, slope, environment, wildlife, boreal, ecosystem, usgs, griffith, wildlife, refuges

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The writer explores both sides and presents the argument that drilling will not negatively impact the environment and will support wildlife there. The writer uses the example of Purdhoe Bay to illustrate how drilling without harming the environment can be effectively done.

From the Paper
"Experts in the field of environment and science have been warning the world for years that the earth's resources are not unlimited and would eventually run dry. It has only been in the past few decades however that the world's population began to listen. In the panic about dwindling resources there has been a rush to locate new sources of energy and other needed materials. Environmentalists have moved in to block hasty projects while those who support them try to push them through and the end result is often a standoff. In the midst of this occurring the last American frontier, Alaska, has moved to the forefront of controversy. One such controversy is the proposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Proponents believe it will provide the world with a much needed energy source, while detractors of the drilling insist it will destroy the environment and harm local wildlife, in particular the caribou porcupines. Once one studies the facts, the past, and similar projects one will find that drilling can be done in an environmentally safe manner and provide the world with a much needed source of natural resources."

Tags:maintain, restore, crude, oil, inupiat, eskimos, native, americans, development, saudi, imports

Abstract
This paper examines proposals to initiate Oil Drilling and Development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It opposes these initiatives. It outlines the potentially disastrous environmental impacts. It proposes alternative sources. Most importantly, it argues that American national energy policy, particularly with the present situation in the Middle East, must move away from a reliance on fossil fuels to alternative sources.

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."

Tags:statistics, environmental, polluted

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
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."

Tags:11th, alaska, anwr, bush, caribou, crisis, energy, environment, fuel, george, iraq, national, oil, politics, pollution, porcupine, september, herd

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."

Tags:coastal, migratory, development, transport, technology

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."

Abstract
The paper examines the issue of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from an environmental standpoint and discusses the harm greenhouse gases cause. The paper discusses how drilling would cause irreparable damage to animals and the wilderness, especially considering the relatively small amount of oil that is available in the area. The paper looks at the arguments of proponents of drilling but strongly disagrees with their view. The paper maintains that the country should be aggressively developing alternative fuels that will be cleaner and more economic.

From the Paper
"Proponents of drilling in the area note the 1002 area, where drilling would occur, is just a small area of the entire Refuge, and that wildlife in the area will not be harmed by drilling in so small an area. Americans now know how dangerous greenhouse gases from fossil fuels can be, and alternative energy sources are what the country should be investigating now, rather than more dependence on national (or foreign) oil. Drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a stopgap measure at best, and ruining one of America's last pristine wilderness areas is not worth the cost of a few barrels of oil."

Tags:alternative, fossil, fuels, oil, energy, dependence

Abstract
This paper explores the importance of porcupine caribou and other keystone species of Alaska's ecosystems. It revisits past oil spills and shows the negative effects oil drilling has and will have on the environment.

From the Paper
"Fish habitats are also in danger if drilling takes place in the refuge. Erosion, sedimentation, or alteration of drainage flow or wetland habitat can result from inadequate cross-drainage structures. Gravel removal from a floodplain can also affect fish by changing the patterns of flow or water quality. Water withdrawal can reduce the flow of a stream and potentially raise the temperature to dangerous levels if it becomes low enough. Causeways may inhibit the movement of fish, and change the quality or quantity of movement of sediment. Oil in water bodies will coat fish - making it impossible for them to eat, mate, or breathe - it also poisons them and makes them inedible for other predatory animals. "

Tags:biodiversity, keystone, species, Exxon-Valdez, thermokarst, porcupine, caribou