Legislative Maps of ANWR

Publication Date: November 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

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Abstract:

One major element of the U.S. energy debate is whether to approve energy development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska, and if so, under what conditions, or whether to continue to prohibit development to protect the area's biological, recreational, and subsistence values. For over 20 years, the debate on whether to develop any energy resources in ANWR has focused on a familiar image of a coastal, northern part of the Refuge, the area that is thought to contain oil. Reconciliation bills under consideration in the 109th Congress have referred to two new maps, one with different boundaries than previous maps, and one apparently similar to those in previous bills. This report does not cover the general ANWR controversy, but shows the maps in the two reconciliation bills, and discusses historical maps and the implications of changes. It will be updated if new maps are referenced in legislation.