(CNN) -- Who says we can't strike a balance between energy exploration and wildlife protection? For years, a false either/or argument has stalled progress in Washington on energy development. But now we have a chance to both develop and protect one of our nation's natural treasures. Lying west of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and roughly the size of Indiana, the nearly 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska supports a stunning diversity and abundance of wildlife considered globally significant by scientists. The region also contains hundreds of millions of barrels of oil. Given today's polarized politics, is it possible to protect these lands while tapping their resources?
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Rebecca Rimel, Dale Hall: National Petroleum Reserve has abundant wildlife and oil
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New plan would open half the Alaska reserve (11.8 million acres) to oil, gas leasing
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Writers: Wildlife such as caribou, bears, eagles, whales, polar bears would be protected
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They say the plan balances energy exploration needs and conservation concerns
By dropping the old debate, @placeholder can demonstrate that a new era of compromise over conflict is possible.