Thanks for your work on this issue ---- forwarded by Jane Clark

     Today, the Senate voted 51-49 to table Senators Roth and Boxer's
     amendment (which would have removed the Arctic Refuge drilling
     assumption from the budget resolution). That means the $1.2 billion in

     anticipated revenues from Arctic Refuge drilling remains in the budget

     resolution.  Our next opportunity to strike the provision is a
     House-Senate Conference Committee on the budget, though the measure
     faces a certain veto by President Clinton.

     Of course, the budget resolution cannot, by itself, mandate drilling
     in the Arctic Refuge.  Drilling proponents must also pass authorizing
     language through the full Senate and House and then overcome a veto by

     President Clinton.

     We actually came just one vote short of needing the Vice President
     to break the tie.  In fact, when time on the vote had expired, we
     were up by one vote. However, the Alaska delegation convinced
     Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon to switch.  Another big
     disappointment: Daniel Patrick Moynihan from New York voted for
     drilling in the refuge!

     Eight Republicans voted to protect the Arctic Refuge while four
     Democrats voted against us.

     Republicans voting pro-environment:  Roth (DE), Jeffords (VT), Chafee
     (RI), Bob Smith (NH), Snowe (ME), Collins (ME), Fitzgerald (IL), Lugar

     (IN).

     Democrats voting anti-environnment: Akaka (HI), Breaux (LA), Inouye
     (HI), Moynihan (NY).

     Thanks to everyone who took the time to make phone calls, write
     letters, and roundup supporters these past weeks.  It was a tremendous

     showing.  The Refuge is, of course, increasingly threatened now --
     and we must re-up our efforts in the days to come.  But clearly, we
     have growing support and momentum!

     Take Action:  Please take the time to thank those Senators who voted
to
     protect the Arctic Refuge and feel free to express your disapointment
     with those who voted to kill the  Roth amendment to protect the Arctic

     Refuge.  Thanks yous are greatly appreciated by Senate offices as they

     endured a trmendous amount of pressure to vote with the powerful
Alaska
     delegation and the Republican leadership.

     The Capitol Switchboard phone number is (202)224-3121
     Or write your senator at US Senate, Washington, DC 20510

     Thanks for all your work on this tough vote--it was a great showing.

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