ANWR: Should we really drill?

Sources:

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/ftproot/service/sroiaf(2004)04.pdf
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/anwr/results.html
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/anwr/pdf/sroiaf(2008)03.pdf

From Wikipedia:

"The USGS warns that there is considerable uncertainty regarding both the size and quality of the oil resources that exist in ANWR, since its estimates are based largely on the oil productivity of geologic formations that exist in the neighboring lands which continue into ANWR. Because of this, its estimates of the potential ultimate oil recovery and potential yearly production are highly uncertain."

According to a 2008 U.S. Department of Energy study:

"ANWR oil production is not projected to have a large impact on world oil prices.... Additional oil production resulting from the opening of ANWR would be only a small portion of total world oil production, and would likely be offset in part by somewhat lower production outside the United States.... Assuming that world oil markets continue to work as they do today, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) could neutralize any potential price impact of ANWR oil production by reducing its oil exports by an equal amount.... There is little direct knowledge regarding the petroleum geology of the ANWR region. The USGS oil resource estimates are based largely on the oil productivity of geologic formations that exist in the neighboring State lands and which continue into ANWR. Consequently, there is considerable uncertainty regarding both the size and quality of the oil resources that exist in ANWR. Thus, the potential ultimate oil recovery and potential yearly production are highly uncertain."

Despite the fact that Native Alaskans, John McCain, and most environmentalists are against this drilling, the Bush Adminstration and other toe-the-line Republicans continue to push for it, despite the FACT that it will have little affect on oil prices. I guess that's not a surprise... that seems to be their modus operandi. Just look at the Iraq war they lied to us about, despite the FACTS. But thanks guys, keep on lying to the public and pretending you care about the middle and lower class not being able to afford energy prices. Keep telling us this is your solution, even though the FACTS say its not a solution.

The question is... does it make sense, or does it just continue the current policies of increasing oil company profits and ignoring a realistic alternative energy plan?

P.S. How long will it be til John McCain switches his position on ANWR drilling now that Pro-Drilling Palin is on the ticket?