Oil cost stokes push for policy

CS Monitor

Congress begins work Tuesday on a bill to boost production and conservation.
By Gail Russell Chaddock | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

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The current House bill and White House policy reflect the conventional wisdom that the US economy remains heavily dependent on oil, and the solution is finding more of it, says Mr. Gaffney. “We’re saying: We’re heavily dependent on oil. We know where most of it is, and it’s ill-advised [for us] to remain heavily dependent on oil…. So let’s go get alternative means” of powering the economy.

The House bill would take other significant steps. It aims to boost US refining capacity by accelerating the review and approval process for new refineries in “refinery revitalization zones.” It would override state and local authorities on siting power plants – a move that could boost prospects for a $20 billion proposal for new power lines from Wyoming to California. The House bill also includes money for clean-coal technology, hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.
In a controversial move, the House bill also reintroduces a provision that protects oil companies from lawsuits on the gasoline additive called MTBE, a provision that was a dealbreaker for the Senate in the 108th Congress. The provision is strongly backed by House majority leader Tom DeLay, whose Texas district includes MTBE production, as well as House energy chairman Barton.

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