Wasted energy bill

[Robbien]

President Bush didn't waste a lot of time on energy policy in last week's State of the Union speech. That was a relief. If the president's restrained statement on energy signals an acceptance that the bill stalled in the Senate is destined to die, then it is a truly welcome sign.

The $32 billion measure tripled in size last year with tax breaks for the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries and costly incentives added on to entice some undecided senators. Fortunately, the Republican leadership couldn't gather enough votes to end a filibuster and bring the measure to the floor.

Now, that job has gotten a little more difficult. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., recently switched his vote to oppose bringing the bill to a vote. The conservative Ensign is disturbed by the bill's price tag.
If Ensign's move helps push the bill to the back burner, that's good, too.

snip. . .

The administration could ultimately win on energy policy. But it needs to start by working openly and collaboratively with both parties to arrive at a package that sets the nation on a path to energy independence without giving it away to the energy industry.


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