U.S. Senate OK's drilling in Arctic refuge
The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to reject a final attempt to protect Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling. Senator Maria Cantwell tried to stop plans to open up the Alaska wilderness with an amendment, but it was defeated by a vote of 51-48. Senators are now expected to approve a budget bill containing a provision that allows drilling. That approval will likely come this week. The House of Representatives is expected to debate its own bill regarding oil drilling next week. Members there have been more adamant than senators in their support of drilling.
Canadian officials are opposed to the plan, arguing it will disrupt a migrating caribou herd that crosses the border and the native groups on both sides that depend on the caribou. The area is also an important habitat for migratory birds, polar bears, and other animals.
