Energy Bill Marches On

by Bob Bellemare, July 1, 2005 Almost two years after the massive blackout and four years after the California debacle, an energy bill has emerged once again in the Senate. The bill is intended to avert similar disasters in the future as well as to address rising fuel costs and the growing concern over future energy supplies. But like most federal policy debates on extremely controversial measures, the end result is usually incremental changes that create corresponding results. The bill is estimated to cost $16 billion, about double the cost of a House version of the legislation. The bill must now go back to the House where modifications are sure to be made. The magnitude of those changes will determine the ultimate fate of the bill?a quick death, which has been the track record of previous bills, or rapid approval during August, the desired timeline set by President Bush. “This legislation is a step forward in helping our nation meet its energy challenges. It does not go as far as I would have like, or other would have liked, to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, to improve vehicle fuel efficiency or to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But it makes […]

Read More