Energy policy: Political tide favors Big Oil

On the same day that the U.S. House voted resoundingly to lift the 25-year ban on offshore oil and gas drilling, it also rejected a measure that would have boosted the minimum average gas mileage of American cars. That’s all you need to know about U.S. energy policy, and who drives it. Consumption is king; conservation, an afterthought. Fourteen representatives from Florida supported the pro-drilling bill, which would allow oil and natural gas rigs 50 miles from the Atlantic coast and Panhandle.

A battle looms in the Senate, where Florida’s two senators — Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Mel Martinez — have vowed to block the bill unless tougher restrictions are added.

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