Renewable Energy Legislation

An Energy Bill in 2008?

I honestly don’t know what’s going on.

First it’s ‘drill baby drill.’ Now, it’s thanks, but no thanks on that offshore stuff.

To bring you up to speed, our nation is facing a severe energy crisis, in which we’re heavily reliant on foreign oil and our electrical capacity is struggling to keep pace with demand.

The Republicans have been clamoring for increased offshore drilling.

The Democrats want oil companies to drill on available lands that haven’t been touched, while increasing support for renewables and energy efficiency.

Both angles need to be executed.

Here’s the thing: Republicans had control of Congress for six years, from 2000 to 2006. Clearly their actions during that time weren’t enough to steer us away from now imminent financial and energy crises.

And yet, they have the gall to oppose the most recent energy bill brought out for floor debate in the House, which would open up offshore drilling outside of 50 miles and extend tax breaks for renewable energy–a win win.

I watched some of the debate on CSPAN. It sounding like a bunch of retarded parrots spewing hackneyed partisan rhetoric–some of it even worse than Sarah Palin’s monotonous and over-rehearsed answers to questions on topics she clearly knows little to nothing about, like foreign policy, domestic policy, energy policy, or any policy for that matter outside of Alaskan Oil.

Republican after republican moaned and complained about the bill, wanting increased acreage for offshore drilling or clean coal provisions or anything that could serve their political interests and their donors businesses.

It’s an Energy Bill, Stupid

After a long, and sometimes silly, debate, the bill passed 236 to 189. President Bush swiftly issued a veto threat.

So after chanting “drill baby drill” at their national convention, Republicans opposed a bill that would up offshore drilling that has been closed for 26 years and that also included provision to open up oil shale development in several western states. Then, after it passed anyway, the Republican president threatened to veto it.

If they were so worried about oil and gas prices, and they think offshore drilling would bring prices down, why the hell did they oppose the bill?

The answer is because it rolled back $17 billion in oil industry tax breaks to fund renewable energy tax credits. And, in case you didn’t know, the Government employees are literally in bed with the oil companies.

In a recent investigation of the Mineral Management Service, which has the task of rewarding contracts to and collection payments from oil companies.

Here’s what the Department of Interior had to say about their inquiry:

“Our investigation revealed an organizational culture lacking acceptance of government ethical standards, inappropriate personal behaviors, and a program without the necessary internal controls in place to prevent future unethical or unlawful behavior.”

Basically, the employees (male and female) were doing coke and having sex with oil reps. Nice.

During the debauchery, government employees receive thousands of dollars in gifts and failed to collect over $1 million in royalties owed by oil companies. So don’t tell me oil companies don’t receive favorable treatment.

Do Something, Anything

These are dire times. The passage of any meaningful energy legislation is necessary.

Opening up offshore drilling would at least have a psychological impact on prices. And the renewable energy tax credits need to be extended to avoid the collapse of the solar energy and wind industries.

I understand there’s an election coming up, and neither party wants to lose political ground.

But now is no time for dilly-dallying. At least do something, anything, to show the public Congress is capable of action.

New bills can be passed later to cope with a changing situation. But sitting idly by is literally doing nothing.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Again.

To green energy and green profits,

Chris Hunter
www.CleanEnergySector.com