In October 2005, leasing of the Arctic Refuge to oil companies was proposed as a line item revenue in the un-reconciled federal Budget Bill for fiscal year 2006. The US House voted on November 8, 2005 to remove Arctic Refuge from The Budget Bill.

On December 21, 2005, the US Senate voted to remove Arctic Refuge from the Defense Budget Bill because it had been wedged with funding for troops and Hurricane Katrina relief in the final hours before the vote.

GOOD NEWS:

Canadian Broadcast Corp (CBC) News covered a story on The Real Alaska on Nov 4th - READ ABOUT IT

Alaska Public Radio interviewed several members of The Real Alaska network on Nov 2nd - HEAR THE STORY

There are several clean energy technologies now available in the USA that can effectively eliminate the need to lease the Arctic Refuge coastal plain and offshore areas for industrial oil production.

Learn the economic arguments for keeping the Refuge free of oil development - WATCH THE 12 MINUTE VIDEO

Listen to this Sept 28 story about the Arctic Refuge on Alaska Public Radio - HEAR THE STORY

Several hundred residents of Alaska traveled to Wash DC during the week of September 16th - 23rd to lobby Congress and the national press - READ ABOUT IT

Some members of congress are taking a strong stand to promote alternative energy - READ ABOUT IT

Some republican members of Congress object to sneaking the Arctic Refuge leasing into law as part of the complex FY 2006 budget process - READ ABOUT IT

There are other technicalities that may keep the Refuge out of the final Budget Bill - READ ABOUT IT

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Help to build this network of Alaskan businesses that support the Refuge. Invite friends who have businesses in Alaska to join the list . The list of businesses represents real votes and financial power in Alaska that will be presented directly to members of Congress.

Write an opinion editorial to your local paper as an Alaskan business owner to remind other Alaskans of how large and diversified the business community of Refuge supporters is. This business community represents a growing and sustainable economy that will enhance the Alaska eco-tourism industry and native culture for many years beyond the life of the proposed short term industrial oil economy .

Write to members of Congress and tell them what you want for the future of the Refuge - READ ABOUT IT