Ethan argues why win-win solutions to help Alaska Natives and the environment would be preferable to protesting what they consider a major economic opportunity.
"Of course, Alaska Natives are no stranger to climate-induced sea ice melt, permafrost thaw and coastal erosion. But most have expressed that the economic opportunity of Willow is too lucrative to decline. Last year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Alaska’s economy as the worst among all U.S. states, putting it at number 47 for affordability, number 49 for employment and 50th for growth. Though Alaska’s state government would receive no oil royalties from Willow, local governments in the North Slope could receive royalties in the range of $150 million per year. They badly need the economic boost, and ConocoPhillips has offered to provide it."
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