Contact: Jim DiPeso, (253) 740-2066

The Senate's vote to use a budget resolution to authorize oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was a colossal failure of leadership, said Republicans for Environmental Protection.

"Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower sought to leave this unique and beautiful landscape of wildlife, mountains, rivers, and tundra completely undisturbed. He understood the lasting value of preserving a portion of Alaska's wild and spectacular North Slope in trust for all the American people. Today, the Senate narrowly voted to violate that trust," said Jim DiPeso, REP Policy Director.

DiPeso added: "If drilling in the Arctic Refuge is eventually authorized with only 51 votes, any protected land can be drilled with 51 votes. The senators who want to protect special places in their states but still voted to drill the refuge will rue the day they opened this Pandora's Box."

David Jenkins, REP's Government Affairs Director, said, "We are deeply disappointed with those within our party who have led the effort to degrade this national treasure for a relatively small amount of oil. It is unfortunate that they cannot face plain facts -- a nation with less than 3 percent of the world's oil reserves must strengthen energy security by reducing our reliance on oil -- not by feeding a dependence that makes our nation more vulnerable. Congress must focus on lasting solutions, including greater energy efficiency and diversifying our energy choices," Jenkins said.

Jenkins added: "We can do better than this. Rank and file Republicans should not settle for such mediocrity of leadership from their elected representatives."

REP President Martha Marks indicated she is optimistic that the refuge will ultimately remain protected. "We have a long way to go before this fight is over. Seven courageous Republican senators stepped forward to protect the refuge. We commend their leadership on this issue and urge others in our party to follow their example."

The seven Republican senators who voted to retain protection of the refuge included: Lincoln Chafee (RI), Norm Coleman (MN), Susan Collins (ME), Mike DeWine (OH), John McCain (AZ), Gordon Smith (OR), and Olympia Snowe (ME).