A new federal report on the "gap" in scientific studies in the Arctic is out, and is generating quite the buzz in environmental and industry circles.

The 300-page report by the U.S. Geological Survey has been much anticipated with enviros hoping it bolstered their position that too much is still unknown to allow oil development to proceed. Conversely, industry execs have been thinking it will back up their contention that the tens of millions of dollars on Arctic studies they have spent so far is plenty to justify exploration to proceed.

In brief conversations this morning -- everyone is still combing over it -- both sides say they were right.

Here's one quote from the summary:

Our analysis of the many different literature sources -- scientific reports, public policy documents, workshop findings, web sites -- has resulted in a recognition that in recent years there has been a concerted effort to obtain more data and information on and conduct more research in the Arctic so there is a great deal of information existing about the Arctic. Yet, in many ways, relatively little is known about the Arctic in large part because many of the studies are targeted in focus and independently conducted with limited synthesis, even within studies on the same topics. There is a critical need for large-scale synoptic efforts that synthesize the many different studies on the full range of topics by the numerous researchers and organizations examining the Arctic. However, there also is a need for some very specific research to address the identified science gaps (in the previous chapters, specifically, and here in general).

I'm still reading and chatting with folks on all sides, so look for a more complete read later today.

For those who can't wait or want to check it out yourselves, the summary is here and the full report is here.

Contact Patti Epler at patti(at)alaskadispatch.com