The 95th United States Congress was in session from January 3, 1977 to January 3, 1979, during the first two years of the administration of President Jimmy Carter. At that time, energy and reliance on foreign oil was a contested topic. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska was a central focal point in the political debate.
As we sit on the brink of seating the 111th Congress, almost 32 years later, energy and reliance on foreign oil is still a contested topic. And, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska is still central focal point in the political debate.
With the continued push to eliminate extraction activities from public lands, one wonders if there is a serious effort to address energy and reliance on foreign oil?
The push is for a "greening" of energy. And yet, potential sites for alternative energy production on public lands are being removed from consideration with a desire to protect vast areas from "development".
Can solar power be harnessed where the sun does not shine?
Can wind energy be harnessed where visual impacts are more important than energy?
In the future, will you be able to flip a switch and have a room illuminated?
An interesting report was released by the Congrerssional Research Service that outlines the 32 year legislative dance concerning energy and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
