Alaskans and ANWR?

Question

I have to write a report on why we should close ANWR to drilling. I was just wondering if there were any alaskans that could give me reasons that we should do this, and some evidence to support it. Or anyone for that matter, just let me know what your oppinions are, and facts are always appreciated!

I have my own oppinions on it, but the specific question on the Essay is why we should close ANWR to drilling. I don't want to get involved in a debate, I just need some help.

Answer 1

I have done some research and it might surprise you to know that most Alaskans asked are in favor of drilling and think the lower 48 states should keep their opinions to themselves. Be careful when you ask for someone's opinion - you might not like their answer.
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Most Alaskans, including those involved in the energy business, are passionate about protecting the wild beauty of their incredible state-which is why they become angry when politicians and others who have never even visited Alaska act as if Alaskans themselves are ready to despoil it. Among native groups who live in the affected area, the Inupiat Eskimo support exploration. The Gwich'in people, who oppose drilling, live 150 miles to the south of the coastal plain, but previously leased their own land for oil exploration, though none was ever found.

As one man put it: "Folks in the lower 48 don't know diddly about our state, but they think they can tell us natives how best to protect it."

Alaska remains the last great American, frontier, and drilling along a tiny section of the northern coast won't change that. The state, which is about one-fifth as large as the entire territory of the lower 48 states, remains almost entirely uninhabited, with just 627,000 people. Maybe we should trust them more than people who've never set foot on the frozen tundra of the ANWR.