Politics Energy | Green Energy News

April 21, 2002 – Vol.7 No.4

POLITICS ENERGY.

The U.S. Senate this week finally passed a massive ( but timid from the green energy viewpoint ) energy bill for the country. And though the mainstream press gave it much coverage, the bill is a long way from becoming law. If it ever does.

The bill must first be merged (meaning altered significantly) in conference committee with a House of Representatives bill previously passed. Then the President must sign it into law. If he likes it.

The blending with the House bill will be a most difficult task as the two are vastly different. Only in a few areas, such as tax breaks for more oil and gas development as well as money for clean coal research are they remotely similar.

The House bill - which includes drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - is closer to what President Bush asked for. But the Senate has already voted against the drilling.

It could take a number of months for a compromise decision. Or, this bill could very well die in committee. Or, if gasoline prices continue to rise, a rushed-compromise bill could be sent to the President’s desk before the fall elections. (Congressmen up for reelection won’t want to seen as incapable of delivering a national energy policy if voters begin complaining about gasoline prices.)