�PAGE � �PAGE �9� The Potential of
The Potential of the Arctic
Patrisha Farlow
SCI207
Jake Grandy
July 26, 2010
The Potential of the Arctic
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has much potential for both the conservationists and for the preservationists. The conservationists believe that nature has the potential to benefit humans. (Easton, 2009) The preservationists believe that nature should be able to be left alone and just let nature be nature without interruption from humans. (Easton, 2009) However, there is evidence that even with the wildlife refuges being untouched by humans physically we are still having affects by ways of air, water, and animals alike without the presence of humans. (Easton, 2009) So this leads us to consider the benefits and affects that looking for oil and other resources will have on, not only the Arctic, but on the country as a whole.
Along the northeast coast of Alaska lies the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge "that consists of 19 million acres".
English: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Map: 1002 Area, th...
English: Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refu...(Corn, 2002) The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was "designated a preserve in 1960 and enlarged and renamed in 1980". (Easton, 2009) This wildlife reserve has been part of a much heated debate over the years pertaining to the potential oil and gas that this land holds. It is said, according to the U.S. Geological Survey that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge holds anywhere from "4- 10 billion barrels, or enough for another 4-10 months". (Cunningham, 2009) Congress, in 1995, approved of exploring this land for its potential oil and gas production, however, President Clinton "vetoed the legislation". (Easton, 2009) When the blackouts occurred in California President Bush found that it "was essential national energy security" to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for exploration, but Congress did not agree. (Easton, 2009) President Bush tried four more attempts to...