?You may remember that a little over a week ago I was posting on the new energy bill up before congress and its merits. Well it passed through the House of Representatives but has met a snag in the Senate. It seems that republican senators are fighting it because of the fact it is dropping the huge tax cuts that the last energy bill donated to the oil companies. They have already gutted the provision that would require that all power companies generate 15% of their power from a renewable source. The mandate had been vigorously opposed by senators from the Southeast and parts of the Midwest where there is less availability of solar and wind resources. They argued it would raise electricity prices in the regions. More than half the states already have some renewable energy mandate for utilities.
Right now there is not enough votes (60) to override a promised filibuster in the senate over these provisions. The tax package would rescind the tax breaks to the five major oil companies. They have enjoyed?$13.5 billion in tax breaks since they were enacted in 2004 and 2005. The oil industry has lobbied hard to protect the $13.5 billion in tax breaks, even as they are setting records for profits. And with ?an oil friendly president even if it does pass there may be a veto coming. This might be a good time to contact your senator, and if passed the office of the president.