Is Alaska a viable solution to foreign oil dependency?, Class Chat, The Politics of Oil, Fall, 2002

It seems like there are all kinds of factors involved in a potential intervention in Iraq: the question of nuclear threats, regime change, and of course the security of oil. Some suggest that should relations with Iraq become so tense as to result in a cut off from the 2 million b/d sent from Iraq to the world oil market, we would be more justified in drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Research shows, however, that this would not prove to be an immediate relief from dependency on foreign oil; it would take years for the wells to yield any benefit, a period of time that might surpass the duration of Iraqi conflict itself (judging by the expediency of the Gulf War). Others suggest a more long-term solution to evading foreign oil dependency; that is, it would be wise to start taking alternative energy research and investment more seriously on the eve of impending oil scarcity. Below you will find a news link concerning the issue.