Bills to allow drilling in the refuge have passed the House 10 times in previous Congressional sessions, but these measures have all been turned back by the Senate.

The current measure is sponsored by Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey, a Democrat, and cosponsored by Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad, a Republican. "I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation to permanently protect this pristine wilderness for all Americans," Ramstad said.

Congressman Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, has been fighting drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for years. (Photo courtesy Office of the Congressman)
Markey has been a chief Congressional opponent of drilling in the 1.2 million acre strip of the refuge along Alaska's north coast.
Introducing the bill Thursday, Markey said, "The coastal plain is the biological heart of the refuge and is central to the survival of many unique species of animals including caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, wolves, and over 160 species of birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls the coastal plain the 'center for wildlife activity' in the refuge. If we were to allow drilling in the refuge it would irreparably disrupt this important ecosystem and one of our last great wild places will be forever scarred and destroyed."

According to estimates by the U.S. Geological Survey, ANWR holds between 5.7 and 16 billion barrels of recoverable reserves, with a mean estimate of 10.4 billion barrels.

The Bush administration supports drilling in the refuge. Then Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told the National Petroleum Council in June 2004, "We have been working with members of both parties on Capitol Hill to pass a bill that would encourage large-scale domestic petroleum production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge."