The Alaska Wilderness League, and other anti drilling groups, would have us to believe that the wildlife would be endangered if the exploration is approved. They would have us to believe the wildlife which lives in the 1002 Area would either diminish in number by displacement or death. However, there have been no proven records that oil companies and wildlife cannot coexist in Alaska's Arctic. Since the development of Prudhoe Bay, a North Alaskan oil company, animal herds native to the area have increased in number instead of decreasing. For example, the Central Arctic Caribou herd has increased from approximately 3,000 to 27,128. The Alaska Wilderness League agrees that the herds are increasing; however, their concern is that since the development of Prudhoe Bay, the herd has divided, migrating to either side of Prudhoe Bay. Let me restate that . . . the herd is separating! It has increased in overwhelming numbers but it has SEPARATED! Wow! While the Alaska Wilderness League is intent on reuniting this wayward herd, our oil crisis continues. Meanwhile, considering the benefits which exploration and drilling would provide for our country, the issue of a division of a herd of caribous seems quiet small.
If exploration is approved, the initial step would be in measuring and locating crude oil beneath the surface. This is achieved through new technology that provides a greater amount of accuracy when drilling. Three-dimensional (3-D) Seismic Surveys are now infrared lights instead of the intrusive sound waves of the old 2-D surveys. Furthermore, the previous exploration required larger vehicles which covered more area, leaving large tracks in the vegetation. With today's technology, the former fears of damage and destruction to the area have been eliminated, yet the Anti-drilling groups continue to sell this to the public for support.
If exploration of the area proves to be economical, the United States would have an alternative to importing oil and petroleum. The reserves are not large enough to end the energy crisis that our country has, but the estimates are large enough to offer some relief causing oil prices to decline over time. The reports provided to congress by the Department of Interior, formulated by USGS, estimated that it will take a minimum of ten years for the oil to reach the market. The delay in our government to act on this knowledge is only allowing us to grow even more dependent on foreign countries such as for our oil. Furthermore, the energy crisis continues to affect all individuals as the cost of gasoline and oil products escalates.
Initial exploration in 1984 and 1985 has told us that oil is available in the 1002 Area. The latest report issued from the Department of Interior has updated the actual gallons of oil that could be extracted to 10 billion. Results have shown that damage to the region will be minimal. Of course there will be some migrating of animals. There will be some adverse effects on the vegetation; however, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The beautiful pictures shown of the ANWR will not be spoiled or harmed. The mountains, streams and rivers will be untouched. Congress is not asking to destroy the refuge. They are only asking us to allow the removal of a much needed resource that will cover a 2000 acre area, less than 5% of the total refuge. Should we ignore the benefits available to us in this small section of frozen land, causing only minimal damage, to preserve the wildlife and vegetation of an area which is seldom seen by anyone; or should Congress act now to do whatever it takes to reduce our dependence on imports and alleviate part of our energy crisis? Congress must do what is best for our country. Exploration, development and drilling of the oil reserves of the 1002 Area are in the best interest for us. Congress must act expediently and without delay. Drill here-Drill Now should no longer be a debate but instead an action deemed necessary to aide our country!
