Politics
GOP says it has votes to authorize ANWR drilling


Republicans in the Senate have enough votes to approve drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) said.

Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Tuesday's election shifted more power to the GOP. He plans to add a pro-drilling provision to an appropriations bill, which can't be filibustered and can pass by a simple majority vote.

The GOP-controlled House has approved drilling in the past but Democrats in the Senate have blocked it. Thanks to the election, the GOP now has 55 seats in the Senate.

Inupiat Eskimos who own land in the refuge support drilling because they stand to benefit financially. Gwich'in Natives who depend on caribou in the refuge oppose it, saying it will wreck their way of life.

Get the Story:
Domenici: GOP Has the Votes on Arctic Refuge Drilling (The Albuquerque Journal 11/5)
Republicans strategize on ANWR (The Anchorage Daily News 11/5)
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ANWR back in play (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 11/5)

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