The American people have repeatedly voiced their strong opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A large number of prominent scientists in many disciplines have written their opposition to President Bush explaining how drilling activity would severely impact caribou in their calving territory, snow geese in need of respite in their migration and the polar bear in need of safe ground, especially with the warming trend.

The scientists emphasized that drilling, and the wells, pipelines, roads, airports and housing facilities, in that fragile ecosystem would engender pollution over the entire coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge.

The scientists who signed the letter are experts in ecology, wildlife and conservation biology, natural resources management and cultural anthropology. They include Edward O. Wilson, winner of the National Medal of Science and two Pulitzer Prizes for his landmark books on social biology. Yet the Bush administration fails to heed the public’s voice or that of the scientists.

For a small amount of oil, to be obtained in the distant future, it appears the administration wishes to sacrifice the Arctic’s wildlife jewel.

Frances Perlman, West Paris

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