House approves ANWR drilling

WASHINGTON, May 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives once again has approved energy exploration in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the 12th such time it has done so.

The 225-201 vote Thursday came as U.S. motorists continue to struggle with rising gasoline prices. The plan will allow oil and natural gas drilling in a small piece of the preserve's 19 million acres along the northern coastal plain of Alaska, reports The New York Times.

However, the House approval may not go far as the measure may die in the Senate, which has opposed the move in the past.

The issue, however, has become important in the growing debate over the need to wean the country from foreign oil. Those who support ANWR drilling say the area may hold more than 10 billion barrels of oil.

Opponents, who are concerned about the risks of spills and other environmental damage, want to put greater effort on alternative fuels.