Don't think that's why. He has been influenced by the 'sensitive, compassionate' left. Maybe he really believes that drilling will mar the beauty of the vast ANWR. I don't think he has thought about the minute area wanted for drilling. I think he's sincere, but misguided. Also, does the DOE really think ANWR will only provide 2% of our needs? I haven't read that before. I was under the impression that it could provide a much higher percentage.
The 'sensitive, compassionate' left have become useful idiots for Big Oil.
If they hadn't evolved on their own, Big Oil would've invented 'em. Just to keep oil prices propped up.