Effects of Oil Drilling in Alaska

Alaska, in the United States of America, is the largest state area-wise and also the least populated. It is flanked by Canada, the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and Russia, further west across the Bering Strait. Alaska was purchased from Russia on March 30, 1867. The price paid for this landmass was $7.2 million. It has seen numerous administrative changes and finally became an organized territory in 1912. It was recognized as the 49th state of the U.S. in 1959. The name means 'mainland' or 'great land'.

The economy of the territory is dominated by the oil and gas industry. More than 80% state revenues are earned from the extraction of petroleum. Besides oil and natural gas, other revenue options include fishing, agriculture and rearing livestock. Most of inland employment is generated from the government offices and offices involved either directly or indirectly with natural resource extraction. The allied industries such as shipping, transportation of oil and natural gas and military bases offer people a source of income. The oil drilling activities in Alaska are the significant components of the economy.

Reasons for Drilling in Alaska:

Alaska, inland and offshore, is rich in energy reserve. The North Slope and Cook Inlet basins and Prudhoe Bay are full of crude oil deposits. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline brings to the surface more than 2 million barrels of oil each day! Alternately, the coal deposits supply the nation with bituminous, lignite and sub-bituminous coal basins. This region does not only offer very high hydroelectric power potential, but also equally dynamic generation of wind energy and geothermal energy. The effects of oil drilling and extensive industrialization within this otherwise serene and unpolluted region have taken a toll on resource and quality of life.

Pros of Oil Drilling in Alaska:

The pros that support oil drilling in Alaska include:

• Generation of huge amounts of hydroelectric, geothermal and wind energy resources for the whole nation.
• Extraction of huge quantities of crude natural oil and gas; for the entire nation as well as surplus for export.
• Extraction of huge amounts of coal, a major industrial requirement.
• Promotion of employment opportunities that come up with drilling and related industries.
• Promotion of allied industries like shipping and transportation and subsequent increase in access to the region.

Cons of Oil Drilling in Alaska:

There are a number of cons that are easily recognized, with regards to oil drilling in Alaska. They include:

• Extensive pollution of the inland areas, otherwise known for scenic beauty, due to drilling processes that generate waste material and oil spills.
• Pollution of transportation, inland as well as along the coast. This is mainly due to leakages and consistent drilling for oil, other than the established sites.
• Gradual increase in the population due to the employment opportunities generated.
• Gradual damage to the natural ecosystem, wildlife and terrain, arising out of overuse of available resources.
• Gradual decline of dedicated Eco-tourism revenue and increase in business propositions.

Effects of Oil Drilling in Alaska:

The effects of oil drilling and the subsequent extraction of natural gas and coal include the following:

• The political controversy about whether or not to continue with the extensive drilling for oil reserves in Alaska has been a part of Democrat and Republican debates and a point of contention through election cycles.
  
  
• The deterioration of wilderness in the face of revenue-driven management of oil and gas exploitation has encroached upon the natural calving ground of Porcupine caribou.
  
  
• The screening of 'frozen' federal lands, hundreds of millions of Alaskan wilderness acres, commercial activity and filibusters have been challenged and revised time and time again. This has made it mandatory for the coastal plain area to be consistently evaluated by geological and seismic exploration.
  
  
• The native Alaskan groups, the Aleuts, Eskimos and Tlingits, feel threatened by the sudden burst of activity in the region and the visibly disturbed ecological system.
  
  
• A much required readdress of intent has been initiated to support wildlife and the wilderness area. The main aim is to protect the habitat and animal and bird migration routes for dedicated wildlife conservation.