GOP hopes of drilling in Arctic refuge dim

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Republican support for drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will erode if the issue begins to seriously threaten Senate passage of broader energy legislation, some GOP lawmakers predict.

While supporters of drilling may be able to muster a narrow majority, they have been unable to get close to the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster by Democrats who have vowed to protect the refuge.

Along with a largely Democratic proposal to require automakers to significantly improve fuel economy, drilling in ANWR is by far the most contentious issue facing senators as they try to craft legislation to direct the nation’s energy policy.

Both issues are expected to come to a head next week as the Senate focuses on divisive parts of the bill.

Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska, who has led the pro-drilling forces, signaled his frustration Thursday when he vowed to launch his own filibuster against the energy bill if opponents prevent him from offering an amendment to open the refuge to oil companies.

Such an impasse could force Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., to withdraw the bill, senators acknowledge.

A growing number of Republicans acknowledge that ANWR’s oil may be too big a price to pay if it means abandoning altogether a bill that has other valuable, hard-fought provisions.

For example, a bipartisan agreement was announced Friday that would phase out a gas additive, MTBE, that pollutes drinking water. Senators also were expected to approve new safety measures for natural gas pipelines.