week 10

1.
Values Framework. The topic I have chosen for my final paper is a classic example of the trade-offs Cohen is talking about. Briefly, my topic is in regards to the American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act was introduced in the House by Representative Don Young from Alaska on January 6, 2009. It is referenced as H.R. 49 of the 111th Congress. The gist of the bill is to designate 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain in Alaska for the “exploration, development, and production” (H.R. 49 Summary) of oil and gas. The bill amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 and “repeals the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)” (H.R. 49 Summary).

As you can see the issue does stem from our behavior fundamental to our society. We are considering the trade-off between pristine Alaska coastal land quenching our thirst for natural resources. Although both sides have valid arguments to move forward, the outcome of this bill will be interesting.

2.
Political Framework. The bill has been introduced early this year. No decision has been made yet, by either side Congress. There are many stakeholders in this bill. They include, but not limited to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Oil Companies, and consumers of oil based products. The potential winners and losers are dependent on the decision on the bill. At this point the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has the greatest stock vested in this bill.

The subject issue clusters with other present issues. The biggest is the infamous war in Iraq. One of this nation’s long standing goals has been energy independence. At this point, the only efforts have been seeking new sources, not changing the way we use oil. This issue is obviously at the federal level. I believe this administration has spearheaded this issue, and we can expect some sort of reform.

3.
Science & Technology Framework. This bill is plagued with many unknowns. For example, the bill is designed to be environmentally sound and outline all procedures, and terms and conditions for the directional drilling, such as: “(1) environmental protection; (2) federal and state distribution of revenues; (3) rights-of-way; and (4) local government impact aid and community service assistance” (H.R. 49 Summary). The bill also outlines requirements such as: “(1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities; and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints” (H.R. 49 Summary).

At this point we can only speculate how effective the policies will be, and what the contingency plans are in the event of an unfortunate disaster.

4.
Policy Design Framework. On the surface the bill is filled with many incentives and disincentives in order to influence behavior and reduce damage to the environment. I think people realize the sensitivity of the issue and have made every effort to ensure public trust and support. As mentioned in question 3, the bill outlines specific requirements and procedures to move forward with the proposed drilling.

The bill is not based on a lucky guess. It is based on political considerations and stakeholder compromises. If the bill is passed, it sounds like operations in Alaska will be above and beyond what we normally expect. I am not sure if the regulated community understands the intricacies of the bill. We are in an unprecedented moment in history, and I would be surprised if much attention has been paid to this bill.

5.
Management Framework. Personally, I believe mitigating all the environmental issues related to this bill will be a tall order, but we do have the technology and the “know how” to do it. I don’t think the question will be whether the operations will be environmentally sound, nor will the environmental impacts be minimized, but rather a question of principle. Drilling along the pristine Alaskan Coastal plains, which have already been protected by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 just sounds wrong.

I assume these operations will be overseen by the federal government, thus we have the capacity to ensure proper maintenance and decision making. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is pretty extensive. If those procedures are followed all potential environmental issues will be mitigated.