Republican leaders in the US Con- gress last week called on the Democratic-controlled Senate to pass comprehensive energy legislation in Oc- tober that includes a controversial provision to lease the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
"The oil we could get from ANWR would replace what we are getting today from unfriendly governments," said House Committee on Resources Chairman James Hansen (R-Utah). "It's time to stop demagoguing. It's time to stop pushing political agendas and posing for cameras. It's time to come together-Republican and Democrat-for the sake of our national security. I say to my friends in the Senate, 'Act now to give us an energy bill that ensures this nation will be as prepared and self-reliant as it can be in its long war against terrorism.'"
Hansen spoke at a press conference that included Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alas.), House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-Tex.), Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee Chairman Joe Barton (R-Tex.), and spokesmen from the Teamsters and maritime unions.
The Republican-led House in August passed a comprehensive bill that in- cludes ANWR leasing, large tax incentives to boost domestic production, and expedited permitting for pipelines.
Responses
However, environmental groups claimed that it was the Republicans who were posing for the television cameras.
"It is important for us to encourage our leaders to avoid distractions, like a misplaced consideration of whether we should drill [in ANWR] as a national security measure, when it bears no relation whatsoever to our security needs," said the League of Conservation Voters.
The Senate Democratic leaders also responded, saying they support a comprehensive bill but will not be rushed to complete action on controversial measures.
"I continue to support reporting a balanced and comprehensive energy bill from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources," said Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). "In this regard, I have been meeting with committee members on both sides of the aisle and with the administration to develop a consensus that can move us forward. I hope to continue to work with the administration and with other members of the committee on a bipartisan basis. I will not agree, though, to attempts to force through a one-sided energy bill or to short-circuit Senate consideration of these important issues."
Defense bill
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) leads some pro-industry senators who want to attach the entire House energy bill to a defense spending bill now before the Senate. Democratic leaders oppose that and are seeking a compromise.
Early indications are that the Senate leadership may allow expanded tax incentives for domestic production provided ANWR leasing is dropped from the measure.
Lawmakers recently approved a temporary spending bill, giving them more time to complete work on 13 appropriations bills due before the fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
