As long as oil is a finite resource (and it is) we need to develop alternatives - whether we are forced to do it now or later does not alter that fact. Here's another fact - once the drilling rigs go in, that place will never be the same. What is the point of violating pristine wilderness for a few more years of dirt bikes, snowmobiles, luxury yachts, SUV's, and cheap disposable plastic crap?

We have no way of knowing the damage that our oily footprint will leave in that refuge. As public land it belongs not only to us, but to our progeny;we have no right to alter it forever because we can't stomach the inconvenience of higher prices or developing alternative energy. To think that some men will continue to add to their wealth because we make this choice sickens me. The depth of their short-sightedness and greed is without measure.