The debate over whether to allow oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has flared again with new U.S. Geological Survey numbers about estimated reserves and how they're distributed. The midpoint range estimate has risen from 13.8 billion barrels to 20.7 billion barrels. Given current production technology, the midpoint range of recoverable oil on federal land is 7.7 billion barrels.
Higher numbers make the prospect of exploration in the refuge more attractive.
But the new evaluation of mostly old data also finds that oil may be spread over 10 or more fields. That distribution could mean more roads, pipelines and construction to recover the oil. That prospect could make development less attractive in the wildlife-rich region. New numbers don't seem to have changed anyone's mind. Oil companies would like to see a lease sale, or at least the opportunity to explore farther in the refuge.