The American Spectator

The Kaktovik villagers view ANWR drilling as critical to the continuation of their lifestyle. They are shareholders of 92,000 acres in ANWR, including the subterranean mineral rights. Drilling will bring in much-needed revenue to their ancestral area that is plagued by astronomical prices due to the village’s remoteness. A homebuilder by profession, Stark was informed it costs more than $300,000 to build a 1,000 square foot home due to high material and labor costs. Villagers are anxious to build a new school with ANWR royalties.

The traveling contingent hired a professional video photographer to record their trip and interviews. They intend to make the video available in the days ahead. At a July 17 press conference in Anchorage to report their findings, the seven congressional candidates were joined by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell.

The worldwide demand for energy has squeezed oil supplies and has led to skyrocketing fuel costs. As measured by the public outcry, political opposition to domestic oil production has become increasingly untenable. The absurdity of efforts to prevent drilling in the U.S. is highlighted by a House bill passed in May that would have the Justice Department sue OPEC nations for not producing more oil to meet U.S. needs. ANWR opponents believe other countries have an obligation to do exactly what they oppose the U.S. could be doing at home. The political left’s long discredited cry of “No blood for oil!” could be replaced with “Let’s sue for oil!” Video recordings and first-hand observations offered by Williams and the others will likely increase public pressure on Congressional Democrats who oppose Area 10-02 oil excavation.