Let's also point out a simple and obvious truth:
There is $1 trillion of oil in ANWR, and several trillion worth of oil in offshore US areas. Both are offlimits because the Govt forbids drilling in these areas. If we opened up ANWR 10 years ago, we'd have 1 million bpd in extra supply and could displace some of Iran's supply. Prices would be much lower, and US production would be higher and our trade deficit lower.
Further, the enviornmental impact is miniscule, certainly nothing compared to the trillion-dollar impact of access to this domestic supply of oil. The opposition to ANWR comes from people who want higher oil prices and are willing to keep us dependent on foreign oil to do so.
Politicians and Governments are causing high gas prices, not oil companies.
The irony is that oil is so easy to get out, that it becomes 'easy money' that is prey to corrupt and violent types wanting to control it.
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