Murkowski says 'ANWR will happen' — but not soon

JUNEAU (AP) — U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday that drilling will happen in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but people shouldn't hold their breath waiting for it.

That's one of the messages the Alaska Republican presented during her annual address to the state Legislature.

The U.S. House cleared a bill last week that would open a portion of ANWR for exploration and drilling, but Murkowski said strong enough support from the White House and her Senate colleagues appears unlikely. She insisted that “ANWR will happen” but only after Republicans have a firm majority in the Senate and a...