Edition: U.S. / Global

Tap Arctic Oil Reserves

Published: January 21, 2001

To the Editor:

A Jan. 14 letter endorses the admirable idea of passing on an ''untouched Arctic Refuge'' to our children. Unfortunately, given the realities of our present-day energy needs, this is a quixotic vision that should take second place to more practical schemes. The huge oil reserves in the Arctic could help provide decades of secure domestic supply. In the meantime, given public determination and the time bought from tapping the reserves, conservation and the development of alternate energy sources could drastically reduce our overall demand for oil.

That way, our children can inherit an environment marked by political stability and economic prosperity, as well as a clean arctic wilderness.


Jericho, Vt., Jan. 14, 2001