Meanwhile, back in Washington…
I’ve loaded you up with 9/11 anniversary coverage, border security updates, and PDS alerts today. Back in Washington, there is a lot happening on the energy front. Conservatives on the Hill are worried about the capitulationist plans of the so-called Gang of 10 (which is actually now the Gang of 20).
The conservative Republican Study Committee sends a helpful summary of the Democrats’ attempt to look like they’re doing something useful. Pay close attention to the “ITEMS NOT INCLUDED” at the end of the update:
RSC Energy Update
While the text and timing of the Democrats’ latest “comprehensive” energy bill remain fluid, we wanted to give you an update on the state of play, as best as we know it.
Ø Democrats are whipping the bill right now and, according to reports, do NOT have the votes to pass it.
Ø Blue Dogs remain concerned that the drilling provisions in the bill are not as robust as they need.
Ø Some of these same Blue Dogs have indicated that they would vote for the Republican substitute, the “all of the above” American Energy Act.
Ø It’s difficult to see how the Democrats would move this bill to the House floor sooner than the middle or end of next week, especially since many of the “oil patch” Democrats key to the negotiations on this bill are headed home today to deal with Hurricane Ike.
Below are some of the major provisions that are reportedly in the Democrat energy bill (the “Comprehensive American Energy Security and Taxpayer Protection Act”). Details are not available, and even provisions taken from bills that already passed the House (like “use it or lose it”) are expected to change in the final product. So please consider this a rough outline, rather than a definitive analysis. Beneath each major provision below are samples of conservative concerns, as appropriate, and next to each provision is the bill number from which the provision will be drawn (with links to the relevant RSC Legislative Bulletins).
1. Allows more energy drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) than is allowed under current law, but MUCH less than what would be allowed if the current moratorium on OCS energy development were allowed to expire on October 1, 2008. Reportedly, oil and gas leasing would be allowed between 50 and 100 miles offshore IF A STATE ALLOWS IT VIA STATE LAW OR REFERENDUM. (Allowing the moratorium to expire would allow for leasing beginning 3 miles offshore). Defense areas, national marine monuments, and national marine sanctuaries would be carved out of the allowable leasing areas, as would the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. The remaining OCS from 100 miles out would be open to oil and gas leasing.
Ø This provision would still keep off-limits the portions of the OCS containing much of the petroleum resources (between 3 and 50 miles—especially on the West Coast). It also would establish a patchwork of complicated hurdles over which to jump before leasing could begin (since each coastal state could pass or not pass law or referendums determining the allowable leasing). Additionally, pushing energy exploration and development further offshore makes it more expensive and increases the environmental risks (because pipelines and shipping routes have to be longer). Ultimately, this provision could yield very little additional American energy in the near future.
2. Provides states no incentive to allow for the expanded OCS drilling. That is, states would NOT get revenue shares in any of the newly leased areas.
Ø Omitting state revenue-sharing just makes it less likely that any of them will want to allow such leasing, and thus reduces the likelihood that this legislation would actually bring more American energy onto the market.
3. Includes a variety of tax increases—primarily the special carve-out of large oil and gas producers from the domestic manufacturing tax deduction, as well as tax increases on investors. (H.R. 6 and H.R. 6049)
Ø We urge you not to overlook the fact that this is a tax-increase bill. Although Democrats will continue to depict their main tax increase as a “repeal of special tax breaks for big oil companies,” it is more correctly described as a special carve-out from a broad manufacturing tax deduction available to almost every company that does any manufacturing in the United States. By making the larger oil and gas companies ineligible to take advantage of a domestic manufacturing tax deduction, Congress would be making it more attractive for these companies to move their operation overseas.
4. Includes a forced renegotiation of (or assessment of a large fee on) current federal oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico from 1998 and 1999 that did not include royalty price thresholds (because of an oversight by the Clinton Administration’s Department of the Interior). These thresholds, had they been applied as in most other leases, would have required royalty payments to the Treasury when oil and gas prices rose above certain amounts ($28 per barrel of oil and $3.50 per million British thermal units of natural gas). (H.R. 6)
Ø The federal government should not be in the business of essentially requiring the renegotiation of leases simply because of a government error. Leases are contracts and should be honored as written.
5. Includes a requirement, commonly known as the Renewable Portfolio Standard or the Renewable Electricity Standard, that electric suppliers, other than governmental entities and rural electric cooperatives, provide 15% of their electricity using renewable energy resources by the year 2020. (H.R. 3221, when it was an energy bill)
Ø Conservatives may see problems with a one-size-fits-all standard for all states (when renewable resources vary state-to-state), the preemption of state RPS standards, the likely spike in electricity prices, and the very nature of a federal mandate that does not account for market forces associated with renewable energy.
6. Releases supplies from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and provides for a subsequent replenishment with a less desirable grade of oil. (H.R. 6578)
Ø The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is, as its name conveys, a tool of national security policy. The SPR was never intended to be a political, market-tampering, price-adjusting tool. The SPR does not exist so that its oil would be released in order to bring prices down during election years.
7. Enforces the “use-it-or-lose-it” requirements. (H.R. 6515)
Ø Some conservatives may be concerned that, at a time when gas prices are exorbitant, and the need to increase the supply of American energy has never been greater, it would be harmful to do anything to restrict the development of American energy, which this provision would do. This provision would send a signal to the energy markets that petroleum had better come up quick or not at all, a move that could actually trigger higher energy prices and discourage investment in energy exploration.
8. Facilitates oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska. (H.R. 6515)
Ø While many conservatives would likely support a stand-alone effort to expedite the permitting of NPRA and otherwise making it easier to get more energy supply from NPRA, some conservatives cite numerous factors, pointing to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as being a more suitable place to focus Congress’ immediate attention. NPRA’s resources are much more spread out than are ANWR’s, are significantly farther from existing pipeline infrastructure than are ANWR’s, and are subject to pending lawsuits and other actions to block the construction of NPRA infrastructure. This provision would not open any additional areas to leasing, nor deal with the litigation issues involved. Further, the project labor agreement and “environmentally responsible” requirements could serve to slow, and increase the costs of, energy exploration and extraction.
9. Authorizes billions of taxpayer dollars to subsidize public transportation ridership already at record levels. (H.R. 6052)
Ø Some conservatives may also be concerned by an increase in federal involvement in local, often intrastate transportation without any corresponding increase in state or local matching funds. Despite ridership being up, so are the financial troubles of many public transportation systems, often because the systems expanded faster than the demand in ridership (according to CRS). Some conservatives, therefore, may be wary of further subsidizing the expansion of public transportation systems that may already be overextended. One could argue that this bill forces taxpayers who drive to work (often without any other choice) to further subsidize people who have the luxury (because of their location, job description, etc.) of taking public transportation. This provision does nothing to increase the supply of American energy.
10. Creates or extends a variety of tax incentives for renewable energy. (H.R. 6049)
Ø The energy incentives are aimed primarily at energy sources and technologies that may or may not provide the bulk of America’s energy needs over the next few decades, while virtually ignoring (or actively harming through tax increases in other sections) energy sources and technologies that are providing the bulk of America’s energy needs today.
11. Includes a variety of energy requirements for new buildings and provides incentives for energy efficient residences. (H.R. 3221, when it was an energy bill, and H.R. 6078, which has not been considered by the House)
Ø Conservatives may be concerned about any federal requirements that increase the costs of construction—and thus the cost of doing business.
12. Mandates gas stations owned by larger oil and gas companies to install at least one alternative fuel pump (natural gas or E-85), and incentivizes the use of natural gas-powered vehicles and the home installation of natural gas refueling equipment. (Not introduced as a stand-alone bill)
Ø Conservatives may be concerned about Washington controlling what gas stations have to sell. Furthermore, one might question where all the additional natural gas, which is a petroleum product, will come from, since the Democrats want to leave so many areas of North America off limits to energy development.
13. Includes provisions accelerating the development and early deployment of systems for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel electric generation facilities. (H.R. 6258, which has not been considered by the House)
Ø Details still under review.
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED.
Note that, according to reports at this time, this legislation contains NO provisions on the following matters:
Ø ANWR
Ø Oil shale
Ø Unconventional fuels (like coal-to-liquids or North American tar sands)
Ø Expedited refinery permitting
Ø Expedited nuclear reactor permitting
Ø Litigation reform, so that American energy exploration and development, including that authorized by this legislation, is not further halted by environmentalist lawsuits
Ø Futures markets speculation
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Categories: Enviro-nitwits,Politics
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Drill ANWR and quit giving enviro-nitwits oversight/regulatory authority.
The stuff that was not included is telling.
It’s like a hamburger without the meat.
PBoilermaker, Where’s the beef?
This is fresh bait for Sarah Barracuda, dangling on the line. I think she’ll bite this weekend.
You thought $4 a gallon was bad, this bill ensures 5-6 a gallon.
It isn’t included with this “hamburger”.
How about this as interesting..
Nanci Pelosi is invested in that T.Boone Picken’s plan to use wind farms. No wonder she doesn’t want to drill!
Keep it simple and keep it in the public eye. Keep pounding the message home. And above all keep beating the hell out of the Dems, in public, until they do the right thing. This is a Berlin Wall chore but we cannot compromise, if we do all is lost.
Covered extensively. See here, with lots of links.
Let me guess…the Dems will push a vote on this piece of crap and when the Repubs vote “nay” (as they should) the Dems will say “we tried, but the Repubs obviously don’t want energy reform”.
What can one expect from a party in thrall to a collection of luddites who won’t be satisfied until we’re reduced to living the way we were back in the steam age?
No, strike that — too much burning of carbon fuels in the steam age.
What we need to make the donkeys and their eco-extremist slave-masters happy is to renounce the use of fire. That’d be an “energy policy” they could get behind.
I am not surprised. Figured the Dems would come back from their long vacation and simply create a bogus energy bill that would not be suitable to the Reps. Thus forcing the Reps to vote against it and allowing the Dems to look like the good guys.
How dare the Dems play with our security and ability to provide reasonable priced fuel to us!
Jimmy Carter is very concerned there was no mention of sweaters.
#7 Pelosi is the major source of “hot air” to power Pickens’ wind mills. Her big mouth and mindless chatter can actually do some good for America: turning the propellers of wind farms.
I should have known you were on it Michelle.
)
It does seem very wrong though…
Yeah and back at the oasis where the camel drivers are eating their dates.
Having determined where the threshold is where liberal lunacy turns into public fury, the Democrats will have to sign an affidavit confirming mental retardation to continue the bait and switch approach to immediate American oil needs that America must produce for herself.
The Democrat can’t do attitude is on cracking ice.
If the double green light goes on gas prices will reach that point of fury before the taps can be turned on now, its monumentally stupid to keep up the charade.
Yes, Michelle has covered Nancy’s conflicts of interest thoroughly, and they are extensive.
Nancy Pelosi is one of the biggest cases of being promoted beyond your competence I can think of in our country.
Worth about as much as the paper it’s written on. maybe.
When Sarah turn her sights on the House and energy, look out Nancy! You’re next on the taxidermy list, honey!
Matt Damon approves this craptastic Dem proposal.
Maaaattttt Daaaammmmmon.
Just one more reason to keep Obama far, far away from the WH.
So Congress will approve the concept knowing the lawyers will kill the execution. Good plan bozos.
And any plan that does not include ANWR, coal and shales is stupid. There is more oil in the shales than all of the rest of the worlds reserves put together. And coal — there is enough coal to run the country for centuries so we’re going to walk away because the enviros don’t want to take the chance.
Sad, but not unexpected from Congress — including the Republican wimps who would rather not have a confrontation with their “friends” across the aisle.
A pox on all their houses.
Gotta love the fact that 3/4 politicians running for president/VP are from this Congress that has a 14% approval rating.
I just wish “conservatives” would vote for principle (rather than convenience) by voting for someone else besides McCain or Obama. Why should the Republicans try propping up a “conservative” candidate when they know full well that they own the “conservative” demographic by the mere fact that “conservatives” always vote Republican, regardless how liberal that Republican is? It’s time to send Republicans a message that they can’t have the “conservative” vote without a “conservative” candidate. I can suffer Obama, but I don’t know about suffering McCain, followed by Obama, then having to choose between “the lesser of two evils” again and again.
Hamburger? Not so much… More like a sh*t sandwich. These dems and traitorous RINOs won’t be satisfied until the citizens of this country are reduced to squalor.
If ever there was a time when it matters who you vote for, it’s now. Say ‘HELL NO’ to libtards and RINO traitors!!
God Bless America!
Any thoughts on the Dem controlled Congress and their inability to do what’s right for this country?
lol, Now That’s putting lipstick on a Pig!
What a bunch of losers the Dem crapweasels are. shifty at best. good grief.
What? Their approval rating is above 10%? In the corporate world, they would have all been fired for poor job performance.
I cannot! Nor, do I believe any American can.
Yeah, especially when things like this are said: “I am concerned that repeal of the estate tax would provide massive benefits solely to the wealthiest and highest-income taxpayers in the country. A Treasury Department study found that almost no estate tax has been paid by lower- and middle-income taxpayers. But taxes have been paid on the estates of people who were in the highest 20 percent of the income distribution at the time of their death. It found that 91 percent of all estate taxes are paid by the estates of people whose annual income exceeded $190,000 around the time of their death. …”
Oh, wait… that was McCain opposing the repeal of the death tax. There’s more here.
Then there’s this idea:
“We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we’ll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.” What kind of socialistic bu… Oh… wait… this was from McCain’s speech at the Republican Convention.
But hey, I don’t really care for Obama’s “civilian national security force” either, which is why I’m not voting for either of these people.
Note to women – another reason not to date camel drivers.
Well Obama wants you to live as well as his brother…
My thought exactly, AlohaGuy.
Robert Zubrin completely dismantles the wind energy boondoggle here.
A couple of money quotes:
Send_Me, who would you send to the White House?
What has any Congress, Republican or Democrat, done in the last 35 years in terms of an energy policy that works? Welfare reform? Medicare/medicaid? Social security? Farm subsidies? “Pork barrel” legislation? Illegal immigration? Border security? Degraded interstates? An ancient air-traffic control system desperately needs upgrading? Failing public schools?
These are just a few of the things that Democrats and Republican Congresses have consistantly failed to address and/or fix. I’m beginning to see the wisdom of John Adams’ statement about political parties: “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties… This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.”
My fix: 1) Repeal the 17th Amendment. Give power back to the states to recall worthless Senators, 2) Institute a preferential voting system, 3) People voting on principle rather than for party allegience.
Michelle, please don’t link to columns that require a paid subscription.
Send Me, can I add to your list the following: Under plan #2, there will be a choice of “None of the Above” and if no candidate reaches 50% of the vote, we hold another election with different contenders until at least 50% of the vote is received.
You’ve made it abundantly clear that you aren’t going to vote for McCain. And I respect that. However, I do think it is a bit disingenious of you to constantly attack those conservatives who after much trepidation, vasillation and reflection have grudgingly decided to vote for McCain. You were here when a majority of us simply said NO to McCain and resigned ourselves to an Obama presidency. Some folks, such as yourself still feel that way. To each his own.
I have my own reasons for my change of heart. And am under no illusions that McCain does not hold a conservative position on all of my hot button topics. Nor do I agree with everything he says but… yes, there’s a but. But Sarah Palin changed all of that for me. There is still more to learn about her, for sure. However, what I know of her is cause enough for me to shed the “lesser of two evils” mantra and leave my nose plugs at home on Nov. 4th. My apologies if you can’t handle that.
We import a lot of oil from Venezuela.
Venezuela has made it clear whose side they are on…Two Russian bombers recently landed in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Russia has threatened to target US missile shield sites.
Why is any Senator or Representative standing in the way of US Energy Independence? Whose side are they on???
I seriously question their loyalty to this country.
It’s time to clean the communists out of our government.
Bobby Jindal, Duncan Hunter,
Robert VanAntwerp(he’s still active duty)…I’m looking for someone with a remarkable mind, sound principle, demonstrated leadership qualities, and unquestionable character. Jindal’s resume impresses me:
1988: Graduates from Baton Rouge High School
1991: Graduates from Brown University with honors, in biology and public policy
1994: Graduates from Oxford University as Rhodes Scholar with a graduate degree
1994-1995: Advises Fortune 50 companies as a consultant for McKinsey and Company
1996: Appointed Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals; rescues Louisiana’s Medicaid program from bankruptcy by turning a $400 million deficit into three years of surpluses totaling $220 million.
1998: Appointed Executive Director, National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, a 17-member panel charged with devising plan to reform Medicare
1999: At the request of the Governor’s Office and the Legislature, volunteers his time to study how Louisiana might use its $4.4 billion tobacco settlement
Appointed President of the University of Louisiana System (16th largest in the U.S.)
2001: Appointed by President to be Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of Health and Human Services
2003: Resigns from federal post to return to Louisiana and run for Governor
2004: Elected to U.S. Congress, representing Louisiana’s first district
2006: Re-elected to U.S. Congress
Announces intentions to run for Governor of Louisiana
2007: Elected Governor of Louisiana with 54 percent of the vote in the primary
2008: Sworn in as Governor of Louisiana
Send_Me,
Excuse my stupidity, but how would repealing the 17th Amendment give power back to the states? Prior to this, were the Senators not selected by the state legislators and not seen as true representatives of the people?
From my perspective, people who vote along party line are predominately in Congress. If they don’t vote with the party, then their are out. See Joe Lieberman.
This is my first time posting…yes, I am a lurker! But I have to say that I really enjoy the comments here and Michelle is wonderful!
I am posting now because this situation makes me so mad. The Dems think that they can buffalo the American Public. The sorry excuse for an “energy bill” outlined above makes me want to punch our wonderful Congressional leadership in each of their faces! The Republican Congress that was in session over the “recess” this summer MUST stand steady and keep pushing for the up or down vote of the “all of the above” American Energy Act. Nothing else will be acceptable!
As you said, “to each his own.”
We have a saying where I work. When we put forth an idea and we’re told to do something else for reasons unknown, we say: “Shut up and color, got it.”
All perfectly valid and accurate points, but of no interest to the windbags like T.Boone. He’s only interested in getting his hands on those government subsidies, a significant slice of which will end up in his pocket.
All the stuff that wasn’t included is what really counts. Typical, do-nothing Pelosi congress.
Why does this woman keep getting re-elected? She should just go away and live off her husband’s millions.
Exactly – capitalize the profits, socialize the risks. He’ll make off handsomely with his govt. subsidies, we the taxpayers will get stuck with the bill.
What really galls me about T. Boone is that he acts like he’s doing this selflessly, i.e. that he “doesn’t need the money.” Doesn’t mean you’re not a greedy bastard trying to stick it to the taxpayer, T. Boone.
‘Til next time.
This is called “cutting off your nose to spite your face.”
A. I don’t think you’re stupid.
B. Giving the state legislatures this power back would force people to put more attention into state and local elections.
C. If a Senator goes rogue, then, if the 17th amendment is repealed, people could take the matter up with their state legislators to have the Senator recalled. If the state legislators don’t fix it, they get voted out.
D. The people would vote for their state legislators and evaluate them on the Senator’s performance as well.
E. In our current state, Senators have the name recognition, which under McCain-Feingold can only be had now if you’re already rich or if you’re an incumbent or celebrity, and are in no way beholden to the state except for the elections every six years. Six years provides a very long leash.
So that’s my theory, in a nutshell.
T. Boone’s an old wildcatter. He’s going to drill where the geology suggests the biggest pool, and right now that’s the government.
Pelosi and her gang thinking that this bill will allow them to buy a pass this election by saying “See? We passed a bill that increased domestic energy production” is the equivalent of Mussolini saying “See? I made the trains run on time!”
It is a red herring designed to fool the American public. Thank God for the internet and talk radio!
Phase two: Palin/Jindal ’12!
Presuming President McCain chooses not to run of course!
True, but it doesn’t make it right, and pissing away billions on a plan that has no prospect of getting us to energy independence does nothing to help the country – it only makes it that much more difficult.
You realize that Jindal isn’t running, right?
There was a certain Congress back in the 90′s that put forth a bill for drilling in ANWR. Clinton vetoed it.
Send_Me, Thank you. I was calling myself stupid.
Just vote in republicans, so these children can be gotten out of the way and we can do a serious energy plan. This things with the lame tax increases and terribly insufficient drilling is pathetic.
Another great article–with some really insightful posts on the technical / safety / economic problems with wind power and natural gas power sources.
Queen Nancy Antoinette and the “greenies” have brought us another dead on arrival non-starter energy plan–like the “no beef here” energy acts of last year.
It’s time to draw the “line in the sand”–like at the Alamo. All the representatives have to stand for election this year. Stand strong against them–do not vote for any candidate who votes for any bill like this–or any bill that extends the drilling ban or hamstrings our ability to use our natural resources. They belong to the American people–not to these Pelosi clone clowns. Shut down the government if this c**p gets appended to other legislation.
BRING IT ON! Bush, McCain, SarahCuda, and the good conservative representatives have had a super weapon put in their hands–USE IT! The donks / libs should have their heads handed to them–full court press using talk radio, internet, and FOX channel.
John Bibb
I’m not particularly concerned with what you think about MY decision.
At this point in time, I agree…but, let them know, if they don’t do a good job they can count on NOT getting another term in office.
The only conceivable reason anyone would vote in favor of the described bill, would be to undermine American energy policy and thus ensure that America remains subservient to the whims of oil-rich thugs like Hugo Chavez and Vladimir Putin.
It’s scary when something so completely awful has even the ghost of a chance of passing.
The system is broken. Who do they think they represent.
GEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!
No, Judas, you are only concerned with selling out your country…
(Just remember how the original Judas felt after he sold out his principles.)
Yes, you’ve found me out. I’ve been secretly trying to destroy the USA. *rolls eyes*
I’m finding it hard to swallow the price of oil has slid and that price continued to slide even with Gustav and now a Cat 4 hurricane bearing down on the Texas coastline. Do you really think an energy bill will ever get passed and deprive our friends the Saudis, Kuwaitis, or all of OPEC for that matter, of the sale of the only commodity they have to sell besides terrorism? They are going to lull those countries (U.S./Europe/China/India) needing imported oil to sleep again! And, the transference of billions $$ will continue. Snooze at our own peril.
Drill HERE
Drill NOW
Energy Independence = freedom
Spent over 200 billion dollars on the Department of Energy./sarc
Our natural gas provider in the middle of nowhere Idaho is pushing for an 18% price increase for the coming winter. With local fuel prices still 30 cents per gallon above the national average and most folks in our town already stressed almost to the breaking point with an average annual income of $26,000 this increase will bury most families.
This piece of crap legislation will do nothing to prevent this winter’s coming train wreck. At least we can rely on Congressman Bill Sali to fight the good fight for us in Idaho by his performance in this summer’s Texas Tea Party. The do nothing Democrat led Congress is facing a very angry electorate this fall, which I have a feeling will bring on a very cold and costly winter. They will be very lucky if they escape with their lives should their bill become law.
Thanks again Michelle for doing the leg work in gathering the facts. We may be able to take this country back from the corrupt lying crapweasels of both parties do to the efforts of the new media.
Drill here, drill now, pay less!
Boomer; My neighbors and I averaged last winter $600 a month for propane. We live south of Coeur d’Alene. It looks like we can expect $700 bills.
Ouch! FamilyMan that beats what we paid for natural gas with our worst cost being $150 a month, but it was a fairly mild, but wet winter for us last year.
Electing Obama will….
What are you talking about? Who said I was voting for Obama?
Oh… maybe I am wrong. Didn’t you say you were not voting for McCain/Palin? That would be electing Obama…
Rob,
No. I’m voting for McCain/Palin.
It’s all good. No harm, no foul.
So this Democrap bill is pretty much more of the same old do nothing while appearing to do something. Pretty much in keeping with the last two years from these bozo’s
I am SOOOOOO sorry. I apologize.. VERY stupid me……….
So, it looks like Washington wants OPEC to continue deciding our economy and foreign policy. When they decide to shut down the pipeline again, to blackmail us again, what will congress do then? Let me guess…blame it on old Bush policies and the conservatives, then bow down to OPEC once again.
Rob,
No problem.
Yeah, Bela Pelosi’s in bed with T. Bone Pickpocket. (Shield your eyes, young ones) What I found the most hilarious was when T. Bone was testifying on Capitol Hill and was the darling of all the libs when he was talking wind and solar. But as soon as he started talking about drilling, they cut him off and shut him up.
Then, a few weeks later, here’s Nan again, extoling the virtues of natural gas. People were stunned. Then she found out it’s a derivative of oil. Her stupidity knows no bounds.
Aaron Tippin has a message for the good folk up on capitol hill::
Follow the link for the rest of the lyrics (and a very affordable download) of Drill Here Drill Now, which Newt Gingrich, and American Solutions have promoted as a “rallying cry for those who support drilling for more American-made energy.”
It was cranked up on my iPod (playing through my car’s sound system) as I drove to the airport this afternoon. High gas prices have had a direct impact on my job, ergo, on my income, and on the price of all the goods that we depend on (like food!) so Tippin’s call, “Is anybody out there listenin’ in Washington D.C.” speaks for me, as I know it does for a lot of you.
As he tells politicians in the song, “Do somethin’!”
This bill either needs to be stalled or killed entirely. October 1, 2008 is just around the corner.
Why sign up for just a piece of the action when we can wait a couple extra days and have the WHOLE ENCHILADA?
Why can’t Congress hammer out all of our energy issues? Why do they just take an inch toward a solution instead of a mile? Is the idea now to pass what is a flawed bill to improve Congress critters self-esteem?
This is just a stupid bill with very flimsy packaging. These incompetents don’t care about our country, only their public images. Let’s pretend we care to the home crowd but pass a bill that’s doesn’t do nearly enough.
I hate these people. I am so frustrated. Nothing changes, no matter who is president.
Why can’t America see that these ineffectual nimcompoops aren’t doing a damn thing? Have they not listened to the people?
I mean… do they really think that only using a sliver of the OCS will do anything? They’re just handing the American people a bone, but it’s a bone that’s already chewed on with no nutritional content.
Let’s see, tax increases, forced to put in alternative fuel pumps (by the way I remember a report when gas prices were going up saying that the new pumps can cost up to $25,000), renemwabel energy mandates (like the one that was hoisted onto WA state making hydroelectricity a non-renewable energy source which is where we in the ever so wet Pacific NW get most of our electricity from). All I see is gas prices going up even higher with this bill.
Am I the only one who thinks Sarah Palin’s appointment as VP candidate was at least partly related to the public’s (and House Republicans) reaction to Comrade Pelosky’s decision to block a vote on energy?
What good will a “principled” vote for a 3rd party candidate do?
All it will do is elect BHO.
I say, either vote for McCain/Palin or write in Mickey Mouse (an option which, until recently, I was seriously considering), but 3rd parties are only good as spoilers in the race for POTUS.
Honestly, I’m voting more for Palin than for Johnny M.
Aw man. One of my Senators, Bob Corker, is one of the gang of “whatever.” I haven’t seen Lamar Alexander listed as being one of the
traitorscapitulatorsweaselsgang members but I’m not sure where to look for that information.I’m going to call his tomorrow to urge him to retract his support of this nonsense but what do I tell him to support instead?