LOCAL/STATE POLITICAL
RAMIFICATIONS
The purpose of Team
9 is to determine the political ramifications of a decision to drill or not
to drill in ANWR. An investigation of the political groups associated
with the State of Alaska found that the political ramifications of a decision
for drilling would be good in the short and long term. The main benefit
of opening ANWR for drilling is the economic stability that it would bring
to the state as a whole. Oil is the main source of income and stability
for the Alaskan government and Alaska would be economically sound for 20-30
years after the opening of ANWR, because of the oil royalties. This
would allow for the State to address important issues such as education and
health care instead of combating the unemployment and the slowed economy
which will eventually be the result of keeping ANWR closed.
Native Alaskans
are hoping to gain more political influence, something they have been losing
since Alaska became a state. The majority of their influence comes
because of their corporations. These corporations would benefit from
oil drilling because of the royalties they are entitled to by the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act. The larger these corporations grow the
more economic influence they have on state politics. The hopes of Natives
that their economic influence will translate to social influence can only
be bolstered by the economic gains of oil drilling.
The State of Alaska
has three representatives in U.S. Congress: Congressman Don Young,
Senator Ted Stevens, and Senator Lisa Murkowski. Both Senators Stevens
and Murkowski are already leaders for the Republicans in the Senate.
The opening of ANWR for drilling won't affect their political careers.
Looking at the picture of Alaska's role in the federal government, Alaska
will more than likely maintain its current role when ANWR is opened.
Alaska is already a major oil producing state for the US and this would not
change. One way Alaska could gain more power in Congress is through
an increase in representation, which only comes with population increase.
Oil drilling in ANWR will not increase the amount of people that emigrate
to Alaska, and so Alaska's congressional standing won't change.
Native Corporations
and the State of Alaska will benefit from production of ANWR’s oil resources.
Alaska, on the national level, won't gain or lose any standing with a pro-drilling
decision. The combination of these factors and no major political drawbacks
indicate that the state political ramifications of oil production are better
than those associated with the protection of ANWR.
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