by Catelyn Fitzgerald ’23
Environmental Reporter
On Aug. 17, the Trump administration authorized the sale of leases for exploratory drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a decision resulting from years of political debate and controversy. Drilling in the region would win President Donald Trump’s support from proponents of domestic oil production and those looking to maximize the economic potential of American resources. Drilling authorization had previously been granted by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, but turbulence within the Department of the Interior paired with restrictive environmental requirements brought the project to a standstill before any drilling leases were obtained by extraction companies. The more recent Record of Decision provided greater detail as to where and how drilling would occur to ensure a smoother transition from the planning to execution of drilling operations.
The ANWR, located in northeastern Alaska, is considered by scientists to be one of the best remaining examples of wilderness on Earth. Preserving wilderness — areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans — is important to scientific research, as these regions act as controls which can be compared with similar ecosystems to measure the impacts of human development. The ANWR is also one of the most biodiverse regions in the Arctic. It is home to many arctic animal species including polar bears, arctic foxes and over 200 species of migratory birds that live there during various parts of the year. The refuge hosts more polar bear dens than anywhere else in the Arctic. Much of the refuge’s wildlife can be found in its coastal plains, which would also be the epicenter of drilling projects. Concerns regarding the disturbance of these species and their natural habitats as a result of exploratory drilling are shared by many environmentalists.
Not only does the potential drilling present environmental concerns, but high economic costs are also expected. Low oil prices due to the coronavirus pandemic combined with the general economic risk that comes with exploratory drilling mean that efforts may cost oil companies more money than they make. Additionally, rising interest in the development of renewable energy sources acts as a deterrent from costly efforts to find new oil reserves. Several oil companies have released statements saying they do not plan on exploring in the ANWR, likely to protect themselves from consumer backlash and economic risks.
Alaskan Indigenous groups are divided in their support of drilling. Some are concerned about the threat posed to the wildlife they rely on for subsistence, while others welcome drilling as a producer of jobs and income in the region.
The results of the 2020 presidential election will likely determine the fate of drilling in the Arctic. A reversal of Trump’s decision would be likely under a Biden administration.
Even without a change in the political regime, efforts to begin drilling in the ANWR are expected to be faced with lawsuits from environmental groups who claim the evaluation of the region was too insufficient to authorize the drilling. The success of these efforts depends greatly on their individual timing, as a reversal of the decision will be increasingly difficult once the leases are purchased.