"3. We could bring down domestic oil prices by opening up more areas for drilling. This is not exclusive to Alaska."

Indeed and we should. I roughnecked in Texas for a few years and even drilled a 16,000ft producing well in Port Arthur itself. We went through the same kind of crisis back in the 70's and early 80's if you remember, which is how I got into it to begin with. But the technology is so much better now and so much cleaner. There is no reason not to go and retrieve it. Even back then our geologists were telling us that there is enough proven reserves in Alaska and off the west coast alone to satisy our (US) needs for another 50 years and they also knew that with better technology, there is probably quite a bit more. But we have to be allowed to get it.

Here's a shot from Port Arthur circa 1981. I'm on the left. Those were great times and even then we tried not to leave a big footprint. Drillers today are even better. (sorry I got all nostalgic on this post)

http://www.quitthat.com/oil/oil1_640.jpg