America's Oil

Written By: Rich Liu

Fossil fuels play a vital and varied role in the modern world, from space travel down to indoor heating. However, as versatile and seminal as this source of energy may seem they are ultimately detrimental to the biosphere that is the earth. President Biden’s recent proclamation for National Ocean Month combined with his decision to suspend oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge serves to emphasize the importance of bold climate action in his agenda. Due to the immense exhaustion of onshore oil wells and years of on-land oil exploitation, drilling leases have become a new focus.

Undeveloped centers of natural resources such as Alaska and the Arctic are gaining notoriety from energy corporations due to the vast raw materials and abundant resources that have yet to be touched. An estimated $1 trillion worth of oil, gas, and other resources are buried under the Arctic ice and water with approximately 11 billion barrels are considered to be easily obtainable. Significant controversy surrounds the decision to suspend oil drilling leases due to the balance between economic considerations and the role of oil in the economy in contrast to its effects on the environment. Taxing oil drilling revenue accounts for nearly 85% of Alaska’s state budget and thus represents a core part of the state’s economy, these are later exported to other American refineries driving industry throughout our nation. With its fundamental economic role, oil drilling is the sole driver of job growth in many local communities sprinkled across the States.

However, the environmental issues surrounding the oil drilling industry can’t be ignored. The United States is one of the world’s top emitters of greenhouse gases, almost one-quarter comes from fossil fuel extraction. Oil drilling can be dangerous to the surrounding ecosystem, as it releases toxic mercury into the water and triggers seismic waves that can harm the marine ecosystem. Oil spills are also notorious for their impact on the marine ecosystem and local neighborhoods: BP’s Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill killed thousands of marine animals and caused devastating long-term effects such as slower fish responses to predators, toxic chemicals in bird eggs, and illness in cleanup workers. The 2010 incident spread oil across 68,000 square miles of the sea surface and killed approximately 1 million seabirds, 5,000 marine mammals, and 1,000 sea turtles. 

In return, President Biden has issued an executive order on climate change that placed a postponement on new fossil fuels leasing in federal waters and lands. Furthermore, the United States has recently rejoined the Paris Agreement after a brief exit. The organization with its set goal to reduce greenhouse gases 50% by 2030, and the objective of reaching zero shipping emissions from international shipping by 2050 serve as goal markers to help keep countries accountable. Additionally, Biden Foundation released the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report which gives way to a new and inclusive representation for science-based, locally driven preservation of lands, inland waters, and ocean areas, thereby protecting biodiversity and increasing resiliency towards climate impacts. All of these measures are critically important for addressing the climate crisis.

The oil industry is indeed an important factor in the economy and promoting the growth of developing nations. However, the risks that come along are worth weighing. When looking at the pros and cons of the situation it is important to consider, impact on the local environment and residents of that area, the economic benefits, and the global effects. Often, environmental difficulties outweigh economic pursuits, as its impact is broader, longer-term, and worth more than human returns. The stoppage of the oil drilling lease within the largest national wildlife reserve within the country is a move that environmentalists deem a critical measure to fight climate change. Politics and the government play a key role in deciding the future of the environment. The environment and the delicacy of the natural world must be taken into deliberation and be highlighted over economic desires. In the end, these essential decisions regarding censorious changes in the environment will ultimately mirror the decision-makers’ interpretation of a better future.

As nations and their people become more dependent on energy, oil drilling and leases are necessary to meet the oil demand. Fossil fuels are not in infinite supply while the profit received is but only momentary, even so, the damages caused by extensive usage of such oils and gasses are longer lasting. We only have one earth. 

Sources:

June 10, 2021 leland Valerie C Lauren Kubiak. “Ending Offshore Drilling Is Key for Ocean and Climate.” NRDC, 11 June 2021, www.nrdc.org/experts/valerie-cleland/ending-offshore-drilling-key-ocean-and-climate. 

“A Proclamation on National Ocean Month, 2021.” The White House, The United States Government, 1 June 2021, www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/01/a-proclamation-on-national-ocean-month-2021/. 

“Economy.” Economy, Alaska Kids' Corner, State of Alaska, alaska.gov/kids/learn/economy.htm#:~:text=The%20oil%20and%20gas%20industry,is%20supplied%20by%20oil%20revenues.&text=Tourism%20is%20also%20a%20major,Alaska%27s%20second%20largest%20primary%20employer. 

“U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.” Alaska - State Energy Profile Analysis - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=AK#:~:text=About%204%20out%20of%205,refineries%20in%20Washington%20and%20California.