| Back to Home > Bulletin Board > Current Events > Topic: The Dingy Democrat Dingell |
Topic: The Dingy Democrat Dingell
| Author | Message |
| UGoGirl | Posted – 7/20/2007 2:34:23 PM | show profile Here's what's wrong with politicians... *** NYT Editorial... The House?s Duty on Energy The centerpiece of a generally constructive energy bill passed by the Senate last month was the first meaningful increase in fuel-efficiency standards for cars and light trucks in 30 years. The House version does not include such a provision, a serious shortcoming that Representative Ed Markey of Massachusetts will try to remedy with an amendment when debate begins. His amendment is vital. It is also a no-brainer. Without it the bill will fall embarrassingly short of what it could and should do to reduce America?s dependence on foreign oil as well as its contribution to global warming. There is an element of risk here for Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker who must decide whether to allow a vote on the amendment. It is vigorously opposed by John Dingell, the powerful Michigan Democrat who for years has had great influence over energy policy in the House, and by some members of her Democratic caucus. Approval is not a sure thing. ...Mr. Markey is not asking for the moon. His amendment would raise mileage standards from a fleetwide average of about 25 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon 2018. ... The timing is right. A report last week from the authoritative International Energy Agency in Paris predicted that worldwide oil demand will rise faster than expected over the next five years while production declines ? threatening supplies, increasing prices and placing an even greater emphasis on conservation of existing fuels and the development of alternatives. |
