(Energy Sec) Abraham expects Senate to approve ANWR oil exploration

[UpInArms]

http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/newsfinder/pulseone.asp?dateid=38301.4776878241-826345190&siteID=mktw&scid=0&doctype=806&property=symb&value=&categories=&

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Wednesday the administration is optimistic the next Congress will be able to pass legislation opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. "Obviously, estimates of votes are pretty easy to make," said Abraham, referring to Republican gains in the Senate. "I know, obviously, a number of them have expressed support," he said.

...very short newsblurb...

[phantom power]

1. And it will help not one bit.

[SaveElmer]

2. At least 3 Democrats will switch over

Inouye, Akaka, and Landrieu...I'm sure there will be others!!!

[TexasSissy]

8. Repub senator said they already have the votes they need. No

switchovers are necessary.

I saw this guy on TV the night of the election, already saying this.

[davidinalameda]

3. first filibuster of the season?

the environmentalists will mobilize big time on this

[phantom power]

4. The real story is that ANWR is just one of many fronts on this battle

Federal lands all over the country are being targeted for drilling. In a way, ANWR is a distraction from the bigger picture.

To say nothing of increased coal mining.

[Straight Shooter]

5. Well, there goes the neighborhood!

Says my friend who lives in Alaska.

All those who live in West Virginia and voted for *, what are you going to do when your kids develop respiratory diseases? You think * will take care of you?

Suckers. United Suckers of America. Oh, wait. We're not united at all.

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. This is the centerpiece of the bush energy policy

We won't make any progress on renew-ables/synthetics or anything else progressive in these neuvo dark ages.

[slappypan]

7. predictions

1) this venture will never be economically viable

2) it will be a money pit of federal subsidies

3) sweetheart contracts will go to Bush cronies and relatives