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House Democrats to yield on offshore drilling By Jared Allen Posted: 09/06/08 11:18 AM [ET] House Democrats are ready to propose an expansion of offshore drilling as part of a broader energy bill they plan to introduce this month, according to a top Democrat. Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman John Larson (Conn.) said the majority is prepared to back “responsible” offshore drilling through a bill that could be brought to the floor as early as next week. But the Democratic energy bill will also include past provisions pushed by the party – but that failed to pass the House with the...

Pelosi Statement on Comprehensive Energy Plan of New Direction CongressTue Sep 2, 5:43 PM ET **SNIP** WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in response to President Bush's comments today on energy: "For too long, the President's and Republicans' 'drill only' energy policies have reflected the demands of Big Oil. "The New Direction Congress is crafting a comprehensive energy strategy that will provide relief for consumers, end our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of jobs and grow our economy. The Democratic plan will promote efficiency and invest in renewable sources of energy, responsibly increase...

Environmentalists seldom practice what they preach. Al Gore’s home uses enough electricity to power a small town. And the National Audubon Society permits oil drilling in wildlife sanctuaries. The most emotive argument against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is conservation. The barren coastal plane that is the object of a fierce political battle in Washington is home to 42 mammal species, 36 species of fish, and over 160 species of birds. Environmental groups such as the National Audubon Society say it will devastate the wildlife in the area. NAS owns several properties in other wildlife refuges. And they...