WORLD / America |
White House threatens to veto energy bill(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-04 16:58 Gasoline demand accounts for about 45 percent of the almost 21 million barrels of oil consumed in the United States daily. Many energy experts say the most effective way to reduce US oil imports is to boost vehicle fuel efficiency. In a key concession to Detroit automakers, the deal sets separate standards for cars and light trucks - a departure from Senate-passed legislation that sets unified standards. Sen. Pete Domenici, senior Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, told his staff to cease negotiating with Democrats on energy legislation. He said the renewable electricity standard made the bill "untenable for many in the Senate." Where the wind doesn't blow Utilities oppose Pelosi's proposal, which would impose penalties on those that fail to get 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The provision has been included in prior energy legislation passed in the House but not the Senate. Utilities in Southeast and Midwest states lacking the wind needed to justify new wind turbines would have to pay billions of dollars in penalties. Once the House passes its energy bill, the Senate would take up an identical measure, avoiding a bargaining session to rectify differences that have hamstrung previous energy legislation. But inclusion of the renewable electricity standard could spark a Senate filibuster, which would take 60 of 100 votes to overcome. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he spoke on Monday with Domenici and Democrat Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the energy committee, about the House measure and he believes there will be 60 lawmakers in the Senate for the energy bill, even with a renewable electricity standard. "I think yes, we do have enough votes, but time will tell," Reid told reporters on Capitol Hill. Reid said he expects the House to send the Senate the energy legislation this week. |
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