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The US House of Representatives blocked increased drilling and mining on
public lands last week, in an initial skirmish that suggests Congress may oppose
President Bush’s aggressive energy policy. Announced last month, the policy
calls for oil and gas drilling and coal mining in areas like the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. But in a series of amendments to an appropriations
bill, Congress prohibited the use of public lands such as the Arctic refuge,
other national parks and an area off the coast of Florida. But it’s not certain
yet how the Senate will vote, or if Bush will veto the bill if it is presented
to him.