Issue Analysis 118 – The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: To Drill or Not to Drill?

Oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has become one of the most politically contentious provisions of the debate over national energy policy. Assessments show that there are likely to be significant quantities of oil in ANWR and that this could add appreciably to domestic supplies. However, recovering this oil is certain to have impacts on the region’s environment. The question for policymakers is whether these environmental impacts are so significant that they should preclude all exploration and production, or whether they are minimal and manageable.

Full Study:
Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation
Issue Analysis 118:
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge:
To Drill or Not to Drill?

(PDF format, 6 p. 512 Kb)