Published December 22, 2005

A victory for caribou, open debate

By REGISTER EDITORIAL BOARD


Sen. Ted Stevens likely isn't feeling very festive. But wildlife in the 
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should be.

On Wednesday, the Senate blocked Stevens' attempt to open the Alaska refuge 
to oil drilling. He had attached the measure to a defense spending bill, 
which included dollars to pay, feed and arm U.S. troops. It was an 
underhanded attempt to force lawmakers to support troops only if they also 
endorsed environmental destruction.

Fortunately, they chose right.

With a vote of 56-44, Republican leaders fell four votes short of the 60 
required votes to avoid a threatened filibuster. Something as controversial 
as drilling in pristine lands deserves its own debate and vote. Polls show 
Americans oppose the drilling. Doing so would make this country only the 
slightest fraction less dependent on foreign oil, years from now.

It's a sure bet drilling will sneak its way into other bills. But for now, 
the caribou can enjoy more silent nights.


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