The Library Of Congress

Legal Issues Related to Proposed Drilling for Oil and Gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) The Library Of Congress

Congress is considering whether to permit drilling for oil and gas in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), Alaska, to designate the area as wilderness, or to retain the status quo. This area is rich in wildlife and wilderness values, but may also contain significant oil and gas deposits. Efforts were made in the 107th to authorize oil and gas leasing in the coastal plain, or to designate the area as wilderness, but none passed. In the 108th Congress, H. R. 6 (and the similar H. R. 39) would authorize leasing in the Refuge; H. R. 770 and S. 543 would designate the area as wilderness. This report provides background on the legal issues surrounding the ANWR development-related proposals, and will be updated as circumstances warrant.