Election News and Features
New House Energy Bills Draw Mixed Reviews
by
findingDulcinea Staff
The House of Representatives passes legislation that changes standards for electric utilities and rescinds oil tax breaks, though the measures appear doomed to presidential veto.
30 Second Summary
Two major provisions comprise the energy bills passed by the House. One bill requires investor-owned electric utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable resources such as wind and solar power.
A second bill eliminates $16 billion in tax breaks for the oil industry, redirecting the money to renewable energy and conservation.
These legislative developments have divided lawmakers, who disagree over potential benefits and adverse effects.
The tax provisions passed by a vote of 221-189; while the bill concerning the electric utilities provision passed by a vote of 241-172. A few Republicans and Democrats crossed party lines in both instances, illustrating how divisive an issue the future of American energy policy has become.
By and large, the Democrats praised the legislation, calling it a historic move to reduce America's dependence on fossil fuels and address global warming.
Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute talked of a "false idea" that a choice must be made between alternative and conventional energy, saying that "all forms of energy" will be necessary in the future.
The House bills must still be combined with energy measures the Senate passed earlier in 2007. In the context of partisan disagreements and President Bush's promise to veto the legislation, some lawmakers speculate that these energy debates could prove futile.
A second bill eliminates $16 billion in tax breaks for the oil industry, redirecting the money to renewable energy and conservation.
These legislative developments have divided lawmakers, who disagree over potential benefits and adverse effects.
The tax provisions passed by a vote of 221-189; while the bill concerning the electric utilities provision passed by a vote of 241-172. A few Republicans and Democrats crossed party lines in both instances, illustrating how divisive an issue the future of American energy policy has become.
By and large, the Democrats praised the legislation, calling it a historic move to reduce America's dependence on fossil fuels and address global warming.
Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute talked of a "false idea" that a choice must be made between alternative and conventional energy, saying that "all forms of energy" will be necessary in the future.
The House bills must still be combined with energy measures the Senate passed earlier in 2007. In the context of partisan disagreements and President Bush's promise to veto the legislation, some lawmakers speculate that these energy debates could prove futile.
Headline
The House energy package is markedly different from the Senate version passed in June 2007. No automobile fuel efficiency standards were included in the House package. Democrats said the successful combination of the House's electricity standard and the Senate's fuel efficiency requirement would create the most significant energy legislation ever enacted by Congress.
Source: The New York Times
The U.S. House of Representatives records the votes in favor of and against the provision of the energy package that affects electric utilities.
Source: Final Vote Results for Roll Call 832
The House also records the votes in favor of and against the energy package that rescinded oil tax breaks.
Source: Final Vote Results for Roll Call 835
Background
In his 2007 State of the Union Address, President Bush called for the expanded use of alternative energy in the United States, but also heralded an environmentally sensitive increase in oil and gas production.
Source: The White House
The New York Times summarizes the energy legislation passed by the Senate in June 2007. The Senate blocked the provision demanding electric utilities produce more power from renewable energy, yet set a new standard to increase fuel efficiency for automobiles. The article noted that President Bush has urged the passage of an energy bill, but added that the Senate version did not meet the President's goals.
Source: The New York Times
Reactions
Democrats have attempted to change energy priorities in the United States since assuming power in Congress in January 2007. Representative Edward Markey, chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, stated that people will consider the energy legislation "the turning point where Congress began to embrace renewable energy."
Source: Contra Costa Times
Opinions about the House legislation vary, according to the Washington Post. Some Republicans have dubbed the measure a "no-energy bill" because it contains no new drilling incentives. They characterize the renewable resources emphasis as "green pork."
Source: The Washington Post
Forbes discusses the differing opinions lawmakers have about the new legislation. Democratic Representative Tom Udall, co-sponsor of the electric utilities provision, said the bill would ultimately save consumers money because they would not be paying for electricity made from high-priced natural gas.
Source: Forbes
Opinions
The Los Angeles Times presented its take on both Republican and Democratic viewpoints on energy. According to the paper, Republicans have generally favored oil and gas interests, while Democrats have pressed for more emphasis on renewable energy resources. Commenting on the new House energy bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "This beautiful planet is God's gift to us. We have a moral responsibility to preserve it."
Source: The Los Angeles Times
In this opinion piece published by U.S. News & World Report, Bret Schulte calls the attempted energy legislation the "Energizer Bunny bill" that "just keeps going and going." Schulte notes that there are contentious aspects of both the Senate and House energy bills. It could take awhile for Republicans, Democrats, and the White House to reach an agreement, Schulte states.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Reference Material
The American Petroleum Institute released a statement about the new House energy legislation that explains its possible adverse effects.
Source: American Petroleum Institute
The Energy Information Administration publishes reports on greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, including electric power plant emissions and emissions projections.
Source: Energy Information Administration
The Environmental Protection Agency's Emission Standards Reference Guide for Heavy-Duty and Nonroad Engines discusses pollution standards for various types of engines.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
The Fuel Economy Web Site looks at fuel-efficient automobiles and other energy efficient technologies in vehicles.
Source: Fuel Economy
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