ISSUE BRIEF: Why We Should Harvest Energy In Alaska's Coastal Plain
Secure America’s energy future with responsible development of ANWR
The Issue:
Americans are getting socked in the wallet every time they stop at a gasoline filling station. And things are only likely to get worse.
The irony is that every time we fill up our cars at the pump we send money to nations that harbor terrorism. Each year that we fail to develop our own energy resources, we end up paying countries in the Middle East hundreds of billions of dollars—some of which aid those committed to destroying our way of life.
Why are we continuing to suffer this situation? Why can’t America start producing more American energy and cut our addition to foreign oil?
The good news is we can. And one place where we can start accessing American energy is in a mostly frozen and desolate parcel of land on Alaska’s North Shore known as ANWR. Experts say that with the latest technology and engineering we can develop ANWR and still protect the environment.
Congress is now considering legislation to access the energy in ANWR on Alaska’s Coastal Plain. Developing this vast energy resource in Alaska is an important step in the long term strategy to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improving our nation’s security.
Impacts on the West:
Scientists say that there is more than enough oil and gas in ANWR to replace all of the oil we now get from Saudi Arabia for the next 30 years.
Only a small portion of the reserve will even be affected by energy production. Of the 20 million acres in ANWR, only 2,000 acres would be developed for such production—leaving 99.99 percent of the land in its natural condition.
However, before the energy from ANWR can be brought to American consumers, Congress and the President need to authorize leasing and development. This action to open ANWR is urgently needed to help meet domestic demand, help lower gasoline prices, and ensure that America has this key resource is critical to our national energy security.
While it will take time for America to realize all these benefits, Congress must act now before we face another oil crisis or another emergency need.
Status of the Issue:
Efforts to update and the improve ESA are underway in the U.S. Congress. Last year, A bipartisan group of House Members, led by House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo, passed the Threatened and Endangered Species Act of 2005 (H.R. 3824). To see an summary of the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005, go here:
http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/ESA_Homepage.htmSenate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) is working with the leaders on his committee (Senators Chafee, Clinton, and Jeffords) to craft a bipartisan ESA bill.
Solutions:
- Take 60 seconds to write to your Congressperson urging them to support more domestic energy production by supporting responsible development of
ANWR!
Take Action on this Issue