ENERGY

Alaskan Oil Export Bill Gains: The House overwhelmingly passed the measure to lift a 22-year-old ban on the exports, a move already endorsed by the Senate and White House. The legislation, approved by a 324-77 vote, would allow exports of Alaskan oil on U.S.-flagged tankers after Nov. 1, unless the President found it to be against the national interest or a threat to the environment. Differences between the House and Senate bills must be settled before a final vote in both chambers. The Clinton Administration argues that allowing export of Alaskan crude will boost prices for the oil and in turn bolster crude production in Alaska and California, creating jobs and increasing tax revenue.