[Teacher317]

One simple reason... Alaskans want to drill now. All other effects being equal (as you assert), then that is the deciding factor. (However, I doubt the economy will be this sensitive for a while. Also, the nation needs a boost thanks to 9-11... and I hope we'll never need to recover from something like that ever again)

I also notice that you could make the same exact arguments against the development of any other product or resource. I don't think we should stop mining the hundreds of finite ores that we have, and I don't think we should avoid any new sources.

LOL... my FReeper-lady-fair (slugbug) just pointed out you could say the same thing about the finite supply of oxygen... America! Stop breathing NOW! Save that resource for the future! =^) (okay, it's renewable.... but so is petroleum if you have the patience!)

[Looking for Diogenes]

One simple reason... Alaskans want to drill now.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't ANWAR belong to the Federal government, meaning all of us? While the wishes of Alaskan politicians, tribal groups, and citizens should be taken into account, this is land and oil belonging equally to everyone in the U.S.

As for oxygen, it is recycled very quickly by the respiration of plants. We'd have run out a long time ago if it didn't.