Is that supposed to be a reason not to start at all?
This statement really gets OLD.
Most rational human beings understand the 7-10 year delay. Too many environmentalist blocks have helped put the USA in this predicament.
A better saying would be "IF America had begun drilling ANWR 10 years ago, we would have a bit more self-sufficiency in oil and less costs."
But no, politics rule the day. So we are stuck importing most oil.
So we all should just shut up and fork over that $3.50 - $4.00 per gallon. I hope it doubles in cost before 2008. Maybe this country will actually decide to do something about it - alternative energy research, embrace basic conservation principles, develop more reliable mass transit systems, and begin building nuclear sites, updated refineries, and drilling in previous "taboo" U.S. locations.
The bottom line is this country DESERVES what is happening.
Of course we should start drilling. In fact, we should have in 1995 when Clinton voted against it (the bastard). The tree-huggers and the Feds are to blame for our energy problems.