Such dependence on overseas oil means less control over spills from foreign tankers, he said. Commitment to Stop Exploration Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has repeatedly criticized bids for seismic exploration, saying such a move would only provide more arguments for the oil industry to press its case to open the refuge. At the announcement Tuesday, Babbitt reiterated the administration's vow to stop any moves that could open the area to oil exploration. The only way to preserve one part of Alaska's coastal plain is to declare it wilderness forever. The wildlife-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge also contains copious oil.
Lawmakers battle over priorities.
Rep. Bruce Vento, D-Minn. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy applicable to this site.