Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists

House Republicans are attempting to shape US environmental policy by attaching to their 2011 spending plans so-called "riders" that would target regulations ranging from greenhouse gases to mining.

4. Arctic drilling

Newscom
A drill site in Alaska's Prudhoe Bay.

Rep. Don Young (R) of Alaska proposed an amendment that would prohibit the use of funds by the Environmental Appeals Board to consider, review, or invalidate any permit issued for Outer Continental Shelf sources located offshore along the Arctic Coast under the Clean Air Act. Congressman Young has said the rider would prevent lawyers on the appeals board from reinterpreting the intent of written regulations. Critics say it would give drillers a free pass on air pollution.

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