Alaskan Governor Frank Murkowski has announced his intention to open up Alaska's shores for offshore drilling. After condemning "America's extreme environmental community," he noted his intention to stimulate oil development in his state, regardless of what action Congress takes on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The land slated for development extends along the whole north coast of ANWR, approximately 350,000 acres that, by law, extends three miles out from the state's shoreline and could be available for sale as soon as October. The announcement follows a move by the Alaskan legislature to open up Bristol Bay for oil and gas development, shortly after President Bush lifted a federal moratorium there. It was noted by some environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, that the move by Gov. Murkowski may be an attempt to fix the state's recent budget woes. Currently there is no estimate as to the amount of oil and gas that may be available, but state officials were quick to point out that ANWR's eastern edge holds the most promising reserves. State officials also pointed out that oil and natural gas will not be available for at least six years, because additional pipelines need to be constructed. The American Gas Association trumpeted the bold move, but Alaskan State Senator Donny Olson pointed out that current offshore drilling activity already has forced hunters to go farther out to sea for their whale hunts. Gov. Murkowski responded that he was sensitive to the needs of Alaska Native subsistence whaling and would work to mitigate the impact on whales. Missing from the conversation is any discussion of the potentially extensive impacts on other marine life, and the damage sure to be done by the construction of additional pipelines. Also missing is any consideration of reducing energy consumption through conservation and new technology. Instead of endlessly pursuing fossil fuels, it's time we look to alternative energy sources for our energy needs.

Ran 4/5/2004