| Summary: | In light of recent volatility in the price of oil and gasoline in the United States, interest in opening up oil fields in the Alaskan wilderness has risen. Competing interests in developing oil resources to reduce the United States' dependence upon foreign oil include environmental concerns and the interests of Native Alaskan tribes. The 19.6 million acre Arctic Refuge is part of the only fully intact and unbroken continuum of arctic and sub-arctic ecosystems in the world. There are currently 45 different species of animals living in the refuge including: caribou, moose, foxes, wolves, grizzlies, and polar bears. There are two different Native Alaskan tribes: The Inupiat Eskimos, who live along the North Alaskan Coast, and the Gwich'in, who live in Arctic Village, both have differing views on the issue. This research project will examine the legal issues and competing interests involved in developing oil resource in the Alaskan wilderness.
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