Oil and gas in Alaska

• Why is oil and gas significant in Alaska?

  It employs over 100,000 people and generates income
• How much does the oil and gas industry generate annually in Alaska?

  About 50 billion dollars
• When did oil production begin onshore in Alaska?

  In the late 1970s
• What was constructed to transfer oil to the South Coast Port of Valdez?

  The transatlantic pipeline
• How long is the transatlantic pipeline?

  800 kilometers
• Why was the pipeline raised off the ground?

  To prevent melting of the permafrost
• What challenges did the construction of the pipeline face?

  Permafrost, major rivers, and tectonic activity
• How deep are the stilts supporting the pipeline?

  11 meters deep
• What is a significant environmental concern related to oil production?

  The risk of oil spills
• What was the impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

  1.2 million barrels spilled, huge wildlife impact
• How many sea otters, seals, and eagles died due to the Exxon Valdez spill?

  Around 5,000
• What caused a significant oil spill in 2006?

  A broken pipeline
• How has Alaska's oil production changed since the 1980s?

  It has declined slightly
• What is the potential oil reserve below the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

  Up to 16 billion barrels
• Why is drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge controversial?

  It threatens polar bears and rare species
• What is the stance of the U.S. Senate on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

  They voted against it
• What have oil exploration operations discovered in the Beaufort Sea and Arctic Ocean?

  Up to 30 billion barrels of oil
• Why are some areas off-limits for oil drilling?

  To protect bowhead whale breeding grounds
• What is the conflict faced by traditional communities regarding oil and gas production?

  They want to protect heritage but need jobs
• What are the benefits of oil and gas production in Alaska?

  • Provides a huge amount of jobs
  • Accounts for around 90% of state taxes
  • Funds education, health, and community services
• What are the drawbacks of oil and gas production in Alaska?

  • Local workers make up only 20% of jobs
  • Migrant workers have short-term contracts
  • Serious environmental impacts, including oil spills
• What are the construction challenges of the transatlantic pipeline?

  • Permafrost requires elevation on stilts
  • Major rivers necessitate suspension bridges
  • Tectonic activity requires flexibility in design
• What measures were taken to minimize environmental impact during pipeline construction?

  • Pipeline placed underground in migration routes
  • Well insulated to prevent permafrost melting
  • Prevents oil from freezing to avoid bursts