Opening up the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Essay -- Enviro

Opening up the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge some preconceived notions exist in the realm of environmental policy. Decisions are perpetually made that effect human health or environmental equity in order to reap great economic benefits for the many. Often these choices via media the role of human beings as environmental stewards of the planet. It is my attempt in this written report to outline the development of a very controversial part of the proposed all-encompassing energy policy the opening of the Alaskan Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to anoint drilling. I go forth introduce the case by offering some background of the situation followed by an analysis of pertinent economic, ethical, social, and ecological issues. I will present the actors and their respective positions and investigate how they interacted with the rules, regulations, and laws that govern the policy. I will finally discuss what the potential alternatives are and what lessons are being le arned. telescopeThe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of Northeastern Alaska, which stretches for 20 million solid ground across a fragile tundra landscape, is home to over 350 (nearly extinct) musk ox and one hundred eighty bird species, which migrate from even Argentina or Chile. It is the largest Polar turn back denning area in the United States, offers calving ground for the 129,000-member herd of porcupine Caribou, and supports among the largest populations of grizzly bears, wolves and moose ( assimilator Pirgs 2001). It remains one of the most primordial areas on the planet and is especially sensitive to environmental pollution referable to the slow growth rate of the ecosystem. The Refuge was first established in 1952 in a joint effort between biologist Lowell pass and National Park Servi... ...Washington.Murphy, Kim. In Alaska, the Hunt for Oil, Gas only Begins at Wildlife Refuge Energy High Prices, Pro-Business Government Fuel the Drive for oil production Activists ar e Gearing Up. Los Angeles times February 6, 2001. Nuclear Energy Institute. URL http//www.nei.org/ Student PIRGs. Save Americas Arctic. www.pirg.org/enviro/arctic/index.htmlTime Magazine. How Much is low the Tundra? Time Inc. 2/19/2001, Vol. 157 Issue 7. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Potential impacts of proposed oil and gas development on the Arctic Refuges coastal plain Historical overview and issues of concern. Web page of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Fairbanks, Alaska. 17 January 2001. http//arctic.fws.gov/issues1.htmlVerhovek, Sam Howe. Drill, Say Alaskans, Who Know Their Pockets Are Lined With Oil. New York Times Anchorage. March 15, 2001.