3.17.2005
Close Senate Vote Shapes Up On Drilling in Wildlife Refuge (WashingtonPost.com)
By Justin Blum
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 16, 2005; Page A06
After nearly two decades of efforts to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, advocates appear closer to getting their way than ever before.
On the eve of a key Senate vote, both sides were scrambling to gain a last-minute advantage. Republican leaders are seeking authority to open the area to oil companies as part of the budget resolution for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. But they are being opposed by Democrats and some moderate Republicans, who fear that the drilling will damage an environmentally sensitive area.
Although the Republicans picked up strength in the last election and now hold a 55 to 44 majority, lawmakers and special interest groups say the vote will be very close.
"It's as hard a fight as we've ever engaged in terms of drilling in the refuge," said Melinda Pierce, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club, which opposes drilling. "It's going to come down to one vote."
The Bush administration has long sought to open the refuge as part of the president's national energy policy, but the proposal has repeatedly run into opposition on Capitol Hill.
(More ... Close Senate Vote Shapes Up On Drilling in Wildlife Refuge (washingtonpost.com)) ¶ 08:05
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 16, 2005; Page A06
After nearly two decades of efforts to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, advocates appear closer to getting their way than ever before.
On the eve of a key Senate vote, both sides were scrambling to gain a last-minute advantage. Republican leaders are seeking authority to open the area to oil companies as part of the budget resolution for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. But they are being opposed by Democrats and some moderate Republicans, who fear that the drilling will damage an environmentally sensitive area.
Although the Republicans picked up strength in the last election and now hold a 55 to 44 majority, lawmakers and special interest groups say the vote will be very close.
"It's as hard a fight as we've ever engaged in terms of drilling in the refuge," said Melinda Pierce, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club, which opposes drilling. "It's going to come down to one vote."
The Bush administration has long sought to open the refuge as part of the president's national energy policy, but the proposal has repeatedly run into opposition on Capitol Hill.
(More ... Close Senate Vote Shapes Up On Drilling in Wildlife Refuge (washingtonpost.com)) ¶ 08:05
