Oil Exploration in Arctic Refuge

Thank you for your editorial advocating permanent protection of America’s spectacular Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling (“Save the Magic,� Aug. 28). Earlier this year, I pedaled my bicycle 4,600 miles from Santa Monica to Washington to rally public support for protecting the Arctic refuge. I spoke with thousands of Americans from all walks of life who overwhelmingly agreed that the Arctic refuge ought to remain an oil-free wilderness.

In my meetings with numerous members of Congress on both sides of the controversy, I witnessed firsthand the divisive deadlock that has prevented Arctic wilderness legislation from moving forward, despite overwhelming public support. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), a proud anti-environmentalist and chair of the Resources Committee, has vowed to kill any Arctic wilderness legislation that comes to his committee.

This stalemate on an issue of national significance provides just cause for President Clinton to use his executive power and declare the coastal plain of the Arctic refuge a national monument.

JEFF BARRIE

Torrance

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The Times needs to be more realistic in its view on the oil exploration near the North Slope. Just last week it was reported that the U.S. had a [negative trade] balance of approximately $30 billion. A significant amount of that number is secondary to Americans’ insatiable appetite for oil and the purchase of that oil from foreign countries.

Some of us still remember the long gas lines from 1973 and 1979. I seriously doubt that Americans have learned the lessons from that debacle. Oil conservation is not in the present American state of mind. Our economy depends upon a strong dollar and independence from foreign oil-exporting countries.

ANDREW MATTHEW

Agoura Hills