Senate vote Wednesday clears drilling measure.
Oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge moved closer as a key Senate panel approved a bill to open the remote refuge to energy exploration.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved the drilling measure, 13-10. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia joined 12 Republicans to back the bill.
Opening the remote refuge to oil and gas drilling is a longtime Republican priority that most Democrats fiercely oppose. The 19.6-million acre refuge is home to polar bears, caribou, migratory birds and other wildlife.
Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski says drilling can be done safely with new technology. She says the measure would generate $2 billion in royalties over the next decade, with half the money going to her home state.
(Canadian Press)

Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade
Yukon Government seeks to pause health authority implementation with legislative changes
Kwanlin Dün First Nation swears in new leadership team led by Chief Sean Smith
KDFN re-elect's Chief Sean Smith
Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon Government partner on Dawson land planning initiative
Yukon University strike averted as union reaches tentative agreement
Yukon Government seeks input on new École Whitehorse Elementary School location
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games schedule unveiled