This news from Capital Hill — In its final session of the year, the Senate defeated a contentious measure to open up Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. The provision had been added to a military defense bill after being removed from a budget reconciliation bill earlier this year. Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has waged a 25-year campaign in favor of the oil drilling. Wearing his favorite Incredibe Hulk tie, which he is known for wearing on the days of major votes, Senator Stevens said: “This has been the saddest day of my life.”

Environmental groups had a different reaction.

• Cindy Shogan of the Alaska Wilderness League:Yesterday the United States Senate listened to millions of americans who wanted to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is truly a democracy in action. Incredibly Senator Ted Stevens, who has tried 25 years to have drilling in the refuge, added drilling to the department of defense appropriations bill, which is very critical for our troops–and for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But fortunately the Senate saw through that and said 'no' to Senator Stevens and now the Arctic Refuge is protected once again.