Feature story - November 9, 2005
Late Wednesday night, environmentalists everywhere cheered the news that the House of Representatives was dropping language from its budget proposal that allowed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The oil industry was on the verge of turning America's Serengeti into a wasteland of roads, pipelines, drilling platforms and oil spills.
Development advocates are quick to point out that drilling in the refuge will give our nation energy independence (which is false) and lower energy costs for consumers (which is true). Drilling will allow Americans to pay less at the pump - a whopping ONE PENNY less per gallon. Unfortunately, Americans won't see that incredible savings for 20 years, according to data provided by the Department of Energy. And drilling will not provide us with energy independence since ANWR would only supply three percent of U.S. oil at its peak production.
The Arctic Refuge is more than just our greatest protected wilderness and an essential haven for animals and migratory birds. It is proof that some things are too sacred even for the richest, most powerful industries in the world to control. Every time the conservatives stage an attack on the refuge and fail, the efforts of environmentalists everywhere are strengthened.
But don't uncork the champagne just yet. On November 4, the Senate gave the thumbs-up for drilling when it passed its budget proposal. It's now up to the House of Representatives to stay strong on this issue when it meets with the Senate to meld the two budgets into one during negotiations. The removal of the drilling language in the House of Representatives is the first step to ensuring the 19 million acres of pristine wilderness enjoy the same protection it has for the last 25 years.
Stand by for opportunities to contact members of Congress and urge them to do the right thing during the budget negotiation process.