Should drilling be permitted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Essay

Should drilling be permitted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Essay Example This fact proves that our present domestic sources are not sufficient to meet the demands of our country. Considering the present increase in oil prices, the clamor for increase in domestic drilling has spiked the debate on allowing drilling in the Arctic Circle. Politicians have been divided on the issue with each side putting forth valid claims worthy of consideration and perusal. This paper explores the issue of whether or not drilling should be allowed in the Arctic Circle. It shall set forth this student’s position on the issue supported by firm and viable evidence from various researches. In order to lend objectivity to this paper, counter-arguments shall also be put forth, equally backed and supported by researches and relevant evidence. â€Å"The Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ACWR) is the largest reserve and probably one of the most diverse areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System† (Burns, et.al., 2004). Oil exploration in the area started as early as the 1900s. Some parts of the Arctic Circle were declared as protected areas to safeguard the welfare of the wildlife in the arctic. Several oil explorers sought to drill oil in these protected areas, which prompted President James Carter in the 1970s to sign the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act which effectively declared the area as wilderness, and therefore off limits to oil exploration. This area was designated as Area 1002. The oil drilling debate in the Arctic Circle is a typical battle between environmentalists and cost-effective minded politicians and interest groups. This student opposes oil drilling in the Arctic Circle. Research conducted at the Cornell University, revealed that drilling in the Arctic Circle would result to disastrous environmental consequences that would take years to undo and reverse. â€Å"Because a lot of the drilling would take place during the winter months,