Today, Congress is discussing whether or not to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. The arguments are going to be couched in terms of a balanced budget and long-term energy security.
Now, how could we be against those things? But here's the thing. The first oil from the arctic wouldn't be available for 10 years and estimates are that it would lower the price of gasoline by one cent per gallon. We could do more and faster by raising average fuel efficiency standards.
Moreover, industrial development of the Arctic refuge would decimate local wildlife and destroy the livelihood -and possibly the culture- of the Gwich'in people, who depend on the Porcupine River caribou herd.
For drilling to be allowed, language needs to be added to the budget reconciliation bill and approved by the entire Congress. The votes on the reconciliation bill are likely to be close and under the rules, the proposal can't be blocked by a Senate filibuster.
So, what can you do?
Learn more about this issue here (but do it fast, please!): World Wildlife Federation and ANWR Fish and Wildlife Service.
This issue has to be discussed in both chambers of Congress, so contacting your Representative and Senators would be great. Follow this link if you aren't sure how to do that or who they are: Contacting Congress.
How hard can it be to reduce personal fuel consumption so that we save one penny per gallon consumed? I'd need to save about 30 cents a month. I bet I could do that by turning off the engine while waiting for trains to pass, checking tire pressure, and changing the fuel filter (all those things my dad told me to do, but we'll let that little tidbit slide...). Share other ideas here; I'm all ears.
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