"The GOP electoral sweep has Alaska Republicans feeling upbeat on the prospects for a priority that has eluded them for decades — opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration and drilling.

Alaska's delegation has long waged an unsuccessful fight over the reserve, only to be turned back by Democrats and green groups, who rallied opposition by highlighting the natural beauty of the remote region along the state's Northern Slope.

Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens led the fight for years, along with fellow Alaska Republican Sen. Frank Murkowski, only to be rebuffed by Democrats, environmentalists and a bloc of moderate Republicans."

Geof Koss reports for Greenwire November 18, 2016. [2]