The government is on the brink of negotiating massive lands containing forests and refuges with private corporations for gas leasing and development, but not without scrutiny. The industrialization from this sale will hurt Alaska’s wildlife and people who rely on these lands for natural subsistence.

This would also lead to the degradation of Alaska’s natural amenities, therefore affecting the economies that they support, such as commercial fishing, outdoor recreation, and tourism.

Alaska has always been highly dependent on oil revenue. As noted on the Alaska Oil and Gas Association website, “Alaska is the only state in the Union that is so dependent on one industry to fund its government services.” Building this pipeline is a short sighted attempt to deal with Alaska's current budget crises. 

This is too much of a sacrifice. Alaska could explore additional funding sources and encourage the growth of non-extractive industries, protecting its natural resources that support its ecotourism, fisheries, and wildlife. 

With all the trade-offs of selling public lands to private developers for pipeline use, it doesn’t look like a good enough direction for the state of Alaska without a plan to protect the fragile environment.