Special Interests

Special Interests

As a congressman, I would obviously look at the needs of my people first. Thus, the immediate and secondary effect on the local community will be primary. If the project brings positive social, health, and economic effect to the local community, then I would vote for it (Fecht, 2017). Second, I would also consider the environmental impact based on the target Carbon emissions. If the project shows no chance for environmental sustainability, then I would be against. Third, I would consider the contingencies to spillage. The Arctic is not the easiest place due to icy conditions and elongated dark days hence oil spillage is a major concern (Fecht, 2017). Fourth, I would consider the safety of the people working there and how accessible help centers are located. Lastly, I would consider the effect on wildlife, given the ecological system always has to be maintained for sustainability (World Wildlife Fund, 2016). Mostly, congress members engage in pork-barrel politics through logrolling to secure economic benefits for their constituents. However, they always also remain susceptible to special interest groups because this is where they get their political muscles from, through funding and campaigning.

References

Fecht, S. (2017, December 6). Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: How Drilling for Oil Could Impact Wildlife. State of the Planet. https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/06/arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-drilling-oil-impact-wildlife/

World Wildlife Fund. (2016). 5 reasons why America’s Arctic should remain off-limits to new drilling for oil and gas. World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/5-reasons-why-america-s-arctic-should-remain-off-limits-to-new-drilling-for-oil-and-gas