There is enough good sense in the U.S. Senate to block drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with a filibuster if necessary. So, drilling supporters hope to slip the major environmental and energy decision into a budget bill.
Drilling would feed the U.S. oil addiction, helping us to duck tough choices about conservation, transportation and new forms of energy. The refuge’s fragile environment needs protection.
Some drilling supporters now want to distort congressional practices. New Mexico Republican Sen. Pete Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, hopes to include refuge drilling in a budget bill, which can’t be subjected to filibuster and the need for 60 percent approval to cut off debate.
Drilling supporters may be tired of losing. That doesn’t excuse Congress from following normal legislative processes. Dubious ideas deserve full congressional scrutiny, not convenient shortcuts.
Loading...