HOUSE DEMS SPLIT ON ENERGY

Speaker Pelosi has tentatively agreed to consider, in the House energy legislation, a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandating that a percentage of US electricity come from renewables. Let her know she is right to stand up for this: POWER OF WIND

Democrats’ Divisions Weigh on Energy Bill
Greg Hitt, July 23, 2007 (Wall Street Journal)

WHO
House of Representatives Democrats; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California; Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah Democrat;
How a Bill becomes a Law. It is much more complicated than it looks. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
Positions remain to be settled on energy issues between Democratic leaders in the House as the Energy Bill approaches consideration by the full body.

WHEN
Will the energy legislation be considered this summer or be put off until the fall? Right now, it does not look promising for a summer debate.

WHERE
Washington, D.C.

WHY
- If the disputes prevent the bill from coming to consideration this summer, it may be caught in fall electioneering.
- Dems claim the main goal is to cut dependence on foreign oil through, conservation and alternative fuel development. The product of 11 committees, leaders are now trying to make it into a coherent piece of legislation.
- One way to describe contending positions: energy independence vs. climate change.
- Pelosi has tentatively accepted an RPS measure for the bill.
Fuel Standard

- The biggest fight is over vehicle fuel-economy standards. 30 Dems back auto industry-backed standards. Pelosi is for stronger standards, matching the Senate legislation of raising the minimum mpg to 35 by 2030. The auto industry-backed measure, from Rep. Baron Hill (D., Ind.) and 90 Dem moderates, raises mpg less and on a slower timetable. Will Pelosi compromise or risk getting beat by auto-industry grunts?
- 24 Dems, many from oil-and-gas states, oppose provisions preventing drilling and development on public lands.

QUOTES
- Mathewson: "It's a complicated issue with a lot of moving parts…"
- Pelosi spokesman: "We're hopeful [delay to the fall] won't happen…"