All About the Willow Project

BY HAZEL MELHUS AND EMMA SCHMAHL

WHAT IS IT?

The Willow Project is a drilling project in previously protected land in Alaska that uses a passive heat exchange (also known as thermosyphons [thir-mo-fi-son]) to freeze the ground to get oil out of the ground.

WHAT WILL IT DO?

This will open up more jobs for people in Alaska. Although it creates jobs, at the end of the project in 2025 it will be adding nearly 2 million gas cars to the planet. The oil produced by Willow Project will also help lower gas prices which are very high.

WHAT DO OTHERS SAY ABOUT THE WILLOW PROJECT?

This project is extremely controversial (meaning some people like it and others don’t). Those who approve of it want the drilling because it gives Alaskans money and jobs, and others oppose it because it will pollute the planet. We surveyed students and staff in the 7-8th grade and 14 people said they approve of it and 84 people don’t like the idea of the Willow Project.

WHO PROPOSED AND APPROVED IT?

Conosco Philips, Alaska’s largest oil producer, proposed the project. Former President Donald Trump was going to accept it but a federal judge in Alaska said no before it could be approved. Currently President Biden has approved it, and it will start anytime.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Try to drive less to not use as much oil which is used to make gas for cars. Instead walk or bike more. Also use less waste and reuse materials. At the Kennedy if you want to help the planet then try to pick up any trash on the ground and eat all your food and try as much as you can not to waste anything. c