Environmentalists Make Last Stand on Arctic Drilling
"A
coalition of environmental groups is targeting about 30 members of the
House and a handful of senators in a final push to win swing votes to
defeat proposed drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
In
a vigorous lobbying campaign, the environmentalists are trying to rally
opposition in the districts of lawmakers whose votes they say are
uncertain. As proposed drilling moves closer to becoming law, the
environmentalists are scrambling to find enough votes to derail
legislation that has seemed headed for passage. Supporters maintain
they will have the votes to open the refuge."
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Gwich'in: US Oil Drilling Illegal
"As Republicans moved Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil drilling
through Congress, Canada's Gwich'in Indians argued the plan would
violate international law.
The tribe said Tuesday oil development would damage the plain south
of the refuge. The Gwich'in live on the plain, which is also the
Porcupine caribou herd's birthing ground, the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily
News reported.
"The herd has taken care of us since time immemorial and we have a
reciprocal relationship to take care of the herd," said Gwich'in leader
Luci Beach.
The report, prepared with help from American University law
professor Richard Wilson, says drilling would violate international
law."
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