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Republicans Praise Removal of Arctic Drilling from House Budget Bill

REP America, the national grassroots organization of Republicans for environmental protection, today welcomed the House Rules Committee's removal of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling authorization from the budget reconciliation bill and praised Republicans who forced leadership to do the right thing.

"This demonstrates that our party's environmentally responsible lawmakers can make a big difference when they stand together. We are particularly pleased that many of them have already warned leadership against trying to put Arctic drilling back into the legislation in conference with the Senate," said David Jenkins, Government Affairs Director of REP America.

"This is not only good news for those who care about the Arctic Refuge and who want a forward-thinking energy strategy, but it is good news for the Republican Party. It is political suicide for congressional leaders to force members to vote for legislation that is unpopular in their districts," Jenkins said.

Jim DiPeso, Policy Director for REP America added: "The Republicans who stood firm against leadership pressure showed commendable courage in voting their convictions and representing the will of their constituents. We are confident that they will be equally firm if Arctic Refuge drilling is slipped into a budget conference report."

REP America opposes drilling in the Arctic Refuge because it is a dead-end energy strategy that will destroy a spectacular piece of America's natural heritage and perpetuate our country's dangerous dependence on oil. "This shouldn't be an either-or question. We can secure clean, reliable, and affordable energy, and still protect America's special places, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," DiPeso said.