Dems make bad start with ”no-energy” plan

THE DEMOCRATS didn’t waste any time announcing their “no-energy” policy for the nation.

Rep. Edward Markey, a long-time friend of the environmental lobby in Washington, introduced a bill last week that would impose a permanent drilling ban in the vast Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Ramstad of Minnesota, a moderate Republican who apparently shares liberal Democrats’ reflexive hostility to energy exploration and development.

More than a quarter-century ago, during the country’s first major energy crisis, a Democratic Congress raised the possibility of exploring for oil in 1.5 million acres of the 19-million-acre refuge. Soon afterward, gas prices eased and the Democrats made it their mission to block all drilling in ANWR.

Republicans have repeatedly tried and failed to open up a tiny section of ANWR for exploration. In the 1990s, then-President Bill Clinton vetoed drilling legislation. Senate Democrats have successfully filibustered six ANWAR drilling bills since President George W. Bush took office in 2001.

Press-Register (Alabama)