From 1989 to 1999, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a division of the Department of Energy, the amount of power America generates rose 9.6 percent while the amount of power America used increased 24.7 percent. In Kovacs' view, the shortfall means the country needs 1,200 new power plants, instead of the dozen or so being built each year. It amounts to the loss of a year's supply of natural gas, given current consumption rates, according to the EIA.But the prospect of more drilling appalls environmental groups. When Norton and Abraham testify Thursday, Democratic senators will press for specifics about where drilling would take place. Bush said he will review federal lands newly protected by President Clinton.
Environmentalists worry most about protecting the Rocky Mountain spine and the Yellowstone region.
Drilling in much of this area could spoil crucial habitats for grizzlies, elks and wolves, said Scott, of the Yellowstone Coalition. A family feud could arise in Florida, where Gov. Jeb Bush, the president-elect's brother, opposes offshore drilling. George W. Bush said during the campaign that he was sympathetic to that feeling. But the amount of oil and natural gas there is tempting enough so that the Edison Electric Institute, a utility lobby, will press for drilling, said vice president Paul Bailey. D.C. The first fight, likely to arise during the confirmation hearings, will be over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.