Ark. congressman (Mike Ross) introduces energy bill (40% nuclear?)

[phantom power]

A plan introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Ross to encourage alternative and renewable energy relies on oil drilling in Arctic wildlife lands and the Gulf of Mexico to meet its goals.

Ross' bill, the "American-Made Energy Act of 2008," also would create tax credits to build new nuclear power plants throughout the United States, with an aim of having 40 percent of the nation's power come from nuclear sources.

(...)

Ross said the drilling in the Arctic and off the Florida coast called for in his bill would raise about $80 billion over 30 years. He said that money would be "more than enough" to fund efforts to expand tax credits to fight global warming, encourage renewable energy operations and help consumers buy plug-in electric and flex-fuel cars.

Ross said the bill's tax credits for nuclear power plants would help wean the U.S. off of fossil fuels as well, though his bill includes subsidies to encourage liquid fuel production of coal. He said that could encourage further exploration of Arkansas' own coal reserves, bringing more jobs and industry to the state.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8UQSHSG2.htm

[ixion]

1. damnit... it's about renewable energy... not more of the same

:argh: when the hell will they learn. :grr:

[bananas]

2. "his bill includes subsidies to encourage liquid fuel production of coal"

It's even worse than more of the same.

[phantom power]

3. You can see where the focus is from the title: "american energy"

It's a populist/isolationist bill. Most likely not motivated by any understanding of peak oil or climate change.