Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

Executive Summary
Pages 1-8

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 1...
... about the adequacy of scientific and technical information relevant to the potential environmental consequences of three Alaskan lease sales planned
From page 2...
... To obtain information for its review, the committee read environmental impact statements for the three lease sales, technical reports obtained from MMS's Alaska Region; synthesis reports; peer-reviewed publications; several relevant NRC reports; and documents obtained from Be Norm Slope Borough, the oil industry, and other organizations. In addition, the committee received briefings from MMS in Washington, D.C., and Anchorage, Alaska.
From page 3...
... In general, the information available for resource geology, the physical environment, biotic resources, spills, and mitigation and remediation activities adequately reflects the differences between Arctic OCS areas and other U.S. OCS areas where development and production have already occurred.
From page 4...
... With the relative lack of observations available, MMS's initial reliance on model predictions is understandable, but as previous NRC reviews noted, trajectory predictions must be tied more closely to field observations Han Hey have been. For developing models, the committee concluded that He existing "botto~up" approach of trying to produce the best possible mode} should be replaced with a "top down" or targeted approach driven by
From page 5...
... It has established a credible characterization of social and economic conditions in Northern Alaska, and it has addressed several important questions. The program has carried out some studies that analyze potential changes associated wig OCS development-particularly economic impacts.
From page 6...
... For this reason, the committee believes a reasonable solution is for MMS, Be industry, and Norm Slope residents to attempt to reach agreement on the controversial matters-such as specific times and places Cat various activities occur- and how they should be adjusted, remedied, or mitigated in lieu of or concurrent wig additional studies. Parties should not have to give up rights to other remedies as a precondition to begin Be negotiation, although a mutual agreement would imply that the agreed-on course of action would be adhered to unless additional information showed to everyone's satisfaction that the course of action should be modified.
From page 7...
... Even though large of} spills are rare, they are a major concern in the Arctic because of the perceived inability to clean them up or control them. It seems likely that no amount of additional study of biotic responses to oil, of the viscosity and flammability of of} under various conditions, or other laboratory studies or simulations of of} spills and cleanup technology win completely allay public concern about the effects of spills and the ability to clean them up or mitigate them.
From page 8...
... Working cooperatively with Me state and affected local governments (including the Northwest Arctic Borough, as well as the North Slope Borough) , MMS could explore the potential for mitigating longer-term effects Trough revenue sharing, as well as through other steps that could help mitigate the coming "bust" by building up locally controlled trust funds.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.