Having lived in Alaska for nearly 25 years, I've explored the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge many times, including the area that has been proposed for oil drilling. My book, "Midnight Wilderness," describes the extraordinary wildlife and wilderness values of America's only arctic refuge.
Contrary to your editorial (OGJ, Aug. 12, 2002, p. 17) the coastal plain of the arctic refuge is a special birthplace for many species. It is a spectacular wilderness area flanked by the highest glaciated peaks of the Brooks Range. You are mistaken about the caribou. The 130,000-member Porcupine caribou herd does not mate there. This herd migrates to the arctic refuge coastal plain each spring to give birth to as many as 50,000 calves. This same area offers prime habitat for the highest density of land-denning polar bears in our country. Futhermore, more than 100 species of birds fly to the coastal plain from four different continents to nest and fledge their young.
I have visited the Prudhoe Bay and surrounding massive complex of oil fields and industrial facilities. I have seen the oil spills, garbage, and air pollution that comes with drilling in the Arctic. You are mistaken to believe that a major oil field in the arctic refuge will not spoil this national treasure. The wilderness character of the area will be lost forever, and many species will be disrupted, not just caribou.
Since the oil industry already has access to 95% of Alaska's North Slope, including the 23 million acre promising National Petroleum Reserve, I encourage you and your colleagues to give up on your relentless push to open our greatest wildlife refuge to drilling. Leave a small corner of the arctic wild for your grandchildren, for tomorrow, vs. your corporate portfolio.
Last, if you are concerned about the federal deficit, I would suggest that energy companies stop lobbying Congress for $33 billion in tax subsidies, and instead pay their own way with the billions they receive each year in corporate profits.
Debbie S. Miller
Fairbanks
