socio-politics

Drilling in the “1002 section” of ANWR is too often viewed as a debate concerning the preservation of wilderness - Republicans want to drill to ease our dependence on foreign oil, while Democrats have ecological concerns. This view is highly accessible for the public, and it is thus the view the media chooses to emphasize.

However, listening to politicians’ full view on the topic exposes the true issue of energy efficiency vs. immediate demand.

Thanks to new technology that minimizes the drilling area and further research that shows the “1002 section” to be all but completely baron, most politicians now believe there to be minimal environmental impact for offshore drilling. Animal life will be safe, and there would be no fear of causing any species to go extinct.

But there is fear that drilling is a convenient, short-term solution that would not lead to the changing of habits or an increase in urgency over finding alternate fuel solutions. Obama has stated this view as the sole reason for refusing to approve of drilling, though suddenly, he is being attacked for changing his mind on the subject. However, if anybody that is criticizing him for this would care enough to further research both his stance and the stance of many other Democrats, they would find that the views have remained consistent.

Oil is a non-renewable resource. If we are to put in the immense amount of time, energy and money that is necessary for drilling, it only makes sense for us to make the oil that is there last as long as it possibly can. At the present time, the nation is not equipped to do this, though minor changes in regulation and in individual’s mindsets can quickly prepare us to add years to the length of time that the north coast oil can sustain us. The right wants to appeal to their base by supplying an immediate solution to oil concerns that would not necessitate people to change their actions, while the left wants to appeal to their base by doing what is sustainable and most environmentally-conscious.

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