Recent disruptions in oil production caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, coupled with America’s increasing dependence on foreign oil, have once again exposed the frailty of our nation’s energy supply.  And as Americans continue to face sticker shock at the pump and quiver in anticipation of expensive home heating bills this winter, the need for increased domestic production has reached the forefront of the American psyche. 

Shortly after Congress returns from recess next week, the Senate will consider a budget reconciliation package.  Included in the bill is a provision to open a tiny sliver of land in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration. 

Setting aside for a moment the lunacy and hypocrisy that define the arguments of those who oppose exploring this “footprint” of frozen tundra, nearly all geological experts who have studied the area agree that ANWR represents America’s largest untapped onshore prospect for oil and gas.

According to mean estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey, ANWR would produce 10.4 billion barrels of new domestic oil.  Just how much is 10.4 billion barrels?  It’s enough to replace more than 30 years worth of oil imported from Saudi Arabia or over 58 years of oil imported from Iraq. 

Put another way, comparing the 10.4 billion barrels with the Energy Information Administration’s 2001 figures* showing petroleum consumption per state, ANWR would supply our nation’s capital with 1,704 years worth of petroleum.  It would supply Idaho with 363 years worth of petroleum or Maine with 249 years worth. 

See the chart below to find out how long your state could run on ANWR oil.

* 2001 is the most recent year for which figures are available from the Energy Information Administration showing petroleum consumption per state.

** The numbers of years were rounded down to illustrate only complete years each state could run on ANWR oil.