The US Senate has finally passed an energy bill. The vote was 85-12 with Wisconsin's senators splitting their votes. Herb Kohl voted yea and Russ Feingold voted nay.

Unlike the House bill, the Senate version does not address drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). However, the budget resolution already passed by Congress does call for appropriations to begin drilling there.

One thing I've noticed many supporters of drilling in ANWR don't realize is that even if drilling there proceeds, much of the oil produced will end up being exported to other countries like oil currently produced in Alaska's North Slope.

When you consider that and USGS estimates showing there may only be about six months worth of oil there, the idea that this will help our domestic energy situation is laughable.