The Democrat-controlled Senate is being urged by Republican politicians to pass a comprehensive energy bill that would open wildlife refuges in Alaska to oil drilling, arguing that energy security is increasingly important following the 11 September attacks. Opponents of the Alaskan drilling say it would not produce oil for five years and are arguing for conservation measures such as fuel efficiency requirements on motor vehicles. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has already passed the energy bill. Concerns over energy security have expanded to include the physical safety of gas and electricity industry assets such as power stations. Under a bill presented to the Senate in October the new ‘Homeland security’ office would receive $2 billion annually to protect these assets.
