Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: oil field or wilderness
The second session of the 100th Congress will see continued debate over the prospect of oil and gas drilling on a 19-million-acre expanse of mountains and tundra known as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The arctic refuge, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle, is larger than any refuges in the lower 48 states. Because of its size, the area supports a broad range of linked ecosystems. Of particular concern is the 1.5-million-acre coastal plain, which may be targeted for development. The coastal plain provides a home, at least part of the year, to Alaska's porcupine caribou. The coastal plain also supports many other forms of wildlife-including the wolf, arctic fox, brown bear, polar bear, and arctic peregrine falcon, which is listed as a threatened species. The potential effects of drilling projects extend beyond loss of wildlife; they include desecration of the land itself. Although few members of Congress deny the value of protecting the amazing variety of life on the coastal plain, some insist that limited drilling could be conducted without destroying crucial habitat. Last July, the department tentatively divided some of the targeted lands among native corporations in preparation for leasing to oil companies. In response to what was felt to be an attempt to overstep congressional authority, the House passed HR 2629, banning this kind of land deal without congressional approval. In essence, the measure reiterated congressional authority provided by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. This act mandated the study of environmental threats and oil potential by the Department of Interior, while putting the ANWR coastal plain off-limits to development without an explicit congressional directive.
- OSTI ID:
- 6915932
- Journal Information:
- BioScience; (United States), Journal Name: BioScience; (United States) Vol. 37:10; ISSN BISNA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Land conveyances within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Introduced in the Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, Calendar No. 579
Proposed oil and gas exploration within the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
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