Developing Alaska's Energy Resources: Actions Needed to Stimulate Research and Improve Wetlands Permit Processing

摘要

Additional research is needed to evaluate the impacts of oil and gas-related activity in Alaska as a basis for promoting environmentally sound approaches to future development. The Corps of Engineers has been slow in processing wetlands permits, required for many oil and gas projects in Alaska. And has frequently included controversial and costly conditions--such as seasonal drilling and waste disposal restrictions--in its permits. Congress should provide for three critical elements--coordination, prioritization, and a source of funding--when considering legislation to establish an Arctic research policy.