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MAY 15, 2001

Oil companies who hope to reap the financial benefits of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) say improved technology will prevent the pristine area of Alaska from being damaged.

The view is shared by the Bush administration including Secretary of Interior Gale Norton. On Thursday, President Bush will be releasing his national energy policy, which includes a controversial proposal to open up ANWR to oil and gas development.

Congressional approval is required and the votes currently aren't there. But that isn't stopping companies from pushing the idea, as they cite low-impact, small footprint, winter-only drilling sites.

Gwich'in Alaska Natives oppose drilling, citing damage to the Porcupine caribou herd. Inupiat Eskimos, who stand to gain financially, support drilling.

Get the Story:
ANWR: Energy Policy's Ground Zero (The Washington Post 5/15)

Relevant Links:
Gwich'in Steering Committee - http://www.alaska.net/~gwichin
Oil Issues in ANWR, US Fish and Wildlife - http://arctic.fws.gov/issues1.html
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish and Wildlife Service - http://arctic.fws.gov
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Pro-Development site - http://www.anwr.org

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Former Interior Secretary: Drill ANWR (4/26)
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