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Although production from restricted areas won't make the U.S. self-sufficient, it might stabilize output or even reduce imports. No one knows exactly what's in these areas, because the exploratory work is old. Estimates indicate that production from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge might equal almost 5 percent of present U.S. oil use.


Let us suppose we drill all these areas. Let us suppose there are abundant supplies.

What happens when we use up those reserves? Should we use them to continue supporting 30 mile commutes? Is this really wise? Or should we retain them against the day when we need oil with a short supply line, and under our control? Perhaps against the day when the rest of the world is facing a painful energy crunch?

True, it buys time. Maybe enough time for me to be out of the game. But those with young children - or grandchildren - might wish to ponder the question. It is popular to propose sudden technological miracles. Maybe that will happen; but I think there is no guarantee that it will.