Green Power for the 110th Congress

December 31, 2006 – Vol. 11 No. 41

GREEN POWER FOR THE 110th CONGRESS?

Lucky Democrats. They’ve taken over the helm of a ship that’s already left port. That ship is on a voyage to reduce the nation’s energy dependence, pursue renewable and efficient energies and reign in global warming. Many Republicans are already onboard as are a number of state governments. The President too - as his past performance suggests - will fly in for a “Mission Accomplished” moment: At least for greener energy legislation that the new Congress might offer.

Though the trip won’t be easy - there’ll be storms and some party brawls along the way - it will get there eventually.

Already Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will bring legislation to the floor to create a fund to finance energy efficiency initiatives and develop renewable energy resources. The fund would be paid for through repeal of some tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and/or the imposition of royalty fees on certain oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation, part of her "100 Hour" push, could be brought to the floor on January 18th.

The Senate too is already up to speed. Majority Leader Harry Reid has introduced S. 6, the National Energy and Environment Security Act of 2007,

The five-goal bill aims to:

One, reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources. An increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) will be considered as will more investment in biofuels and incentives for the production and sale of high fuel economy vehicles, like plug-in hybrids.

Two, reduce the nation’s exposure to the risks of global warming. Efficiency and renewable energy will help there.

Three, expand the use of secure, efficient and environmentally friendly energy supplies and technologies: Read green energy again.

Four, reduce the burden of growing energy costs, particularly for lower income people.

Five, eliminate tax giveaways and prevent energy price gouging and manipulation.

Altogether, a lot for Congress to swallow at once. But since the attacks of 9/11 and their oil connection, the invasion of Iraq and its oil connection and the growing awareness of global warming - perhaps witnessed by Hurricane Katrina - Congress, and the people that put them in office are probably ready for a new adventure.