How much oil is in anwr

Consequently, current estimates represent the best scientific guesses. However, most geologists agree that the potential is on the order of billions of barrels of recoverable oil and trillions of cubic feet of recoverable gas and that these resources may rival or exceed the initial reserves at Prudhoe Bay. The validity of these estimates can be proved only by drilling exploratory wells. Authorization for exploration must be given by Congress and the President.

In the North Slope oil fields produced about 1. However, Prudhoe Bay, which accounts for over half of North Slope production, began its decline in , and no new fields have yet been discovered with the potential to compensate for that decline. About US Contact Us. How much oil is in ANWR? Aug 15, Tweet. Today, the U. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule to implement an expansive critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl.

Today the U. House of Representatives passed four Natural Resources Committee bills by recorded vote. Source: U. This area is not designated as Wilderness. Geological Survey estimates , the North Slope contains an estimated This is more than the known oil reserves of entire countries that the U. At peak production, ANWR could supply up to 1. A similar study of Prudhoe Bay located miles west of Section estimated the Prudhoe field to hold 9.

The field has now yielded over 12 billion barrels of oil and is estimated to contain 6 billion more barrels Parnell and Sullivan My point is not to say that the area holds more oil than originally estimated—for all we know, the amount of technically recoverable oil is considerably less than the USGS survey concluded.

To ensure minimal and negligible adverse effects to the tundra, fish, and other wildlife during exploration, the state of Alaska is seeking to conduct its study only during the winter months when wildlife is scarce. Ice pads and ice roads used for drilling and transportation in the winter would then melt in the spring, having little or no impact on the environment. Environmentalist groups, including Defenders of Wildlife, protest that any impact is too much impact for an area so pristine and beautiful.

The area has been portrayed as having a lush, mountainous landscape, complete with fields of flowers, clean springs, and gently flowing rivers. This is certainly true for parts of the The blatant use of false imagery and description for political gain is deceptive, unethical, and somewhat condescending. To appreciate the area for its unique and untouched characteristics is one thing, but to claim it as something it is not is another.

In discussing environmental effects of oil development, both sides of the debate focus heavily on the Porcupine Caribou Herd, which uses the area as their main calving ground.

The herd spends two months of its mile yearly migration in Section because it is nutrient rich and offers relief from mosquitoes and other insects that harass the herd. Drilling opponents fear that oil development in the coastal plain would displace the herd, forcing them out of their preferred habitat and into areas with more predators and less nutrition. However, sizeable increases in the Central Arctic Caribou Herd would suggest otherwise.

In , years before oil production began, the Central Arctic Caribou Herd totaled less than 5, By , the herd had grown to 45, The state of Alaska has always been a major source of oil production within the United States.

At its peak of 2. Unfortunately, the flow of oil through the pipeline has been diminishing at an alarming rate of 5 percent per year Parnell and Sullivan Decreases in oil lead to decreases in velocity, which then lead to decreases in temperature, which finally lead to increases in wax, bacteria, and ice buildup. This buildup erodes the pipe and constricts the flow of oil, which then increases costs, making it less and less economical for oil companies like BP to continue supplying domestic oil from Alaska.

According to ANWR. Should the TAPS shut down, much of this revenue will disappear, taking with it the jobs and livelihoods of many Alaskan citizens. At the most optimistic estimates, drilling in ANWR would maintain , existing jobs and provide , new jobs.