New Directions For Federal Energy Policy
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 11.11.06
It’s obvious that the US Congress will take a new tact on energy policy, beginning January of 2007. The Washington Post gives us a glimpse of what’s coming . “…Energy issues will have to go through Rep. John D. Dingell of Michigan (pictured), the ranking Democrat and presumptive chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee”. “…Dingell said he would back measures to promote new energy technologies, diesel fuel and cars, electric vehicles, and conservation in buildings…” And, in an interesting sidebar: “Alan Reuther, legislative director for the United Auto Workers, which has opposed mandated fuel-economy increases, said lawmakers could rally behind legislation promoting advanced vehicle technologies and expanding the markets for ethanol and diesel fuels”.
The Society of Environmental Journalists put up a nice prospectus as well: “On the menu: more research and support for energy alternatives such as wind, clean diesel, plug-in cars, and green buildings. Off the menu: tax breaks and giveaways for oil, drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or many offshore tracts”.
Hint to Senate and Congressional staffers, TreeHugger’s archives are your go-to place to see the latest and greatest examples of what Congress will be looking at, along with reactions from our readers.
Question for our readers. Would you enjoy reading more about Congressional doings on energy policy?
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Obama National Security Advisor Outlines Energy Policy Priorities (Video Clip)
- US Chamber Of Commerce On The Inside Energy Policy Track
- Focus Earth: November 15, 2008: Navy Wins, Whales Lose? & Race for Energy and Commerce Chairman
- Western US Governors Caught Over-Stuffing Obama's Suggestion Box
Let's help Congress. Let's increase transparency.
Let us not wait, let us march forward. Because we are at War with many old ideas, and striving for tomorrow to be nearer to our ideals. This is the time to move, while we still have momentum.
I've always wondered why TH didn't post more about political happenings with environmental issues. Politics and marketing are married, and they control how and what the general populus consumes. Since this is a more material based- consumer's blog, i think it makes sense to let us know what is going on behind the scenes as well.
With the political change about to happen- getting thet information out is even more critical. I really hope to see more coverage of the environment's place in our politics. Thanks guys and gals!
==== author's response follows ===
All are welcome here; and we writers want to keep it that way. Thus, we typically steer clear of partisan politics, regardless of what nation we're writing about. Where there's a big sea change in policy direction, and especially where a chance of strong bi-partisan consensus exists, we'll see what we can do.
Yes, both grassroots efforts and Federal policy initiatives are crucial for real energy transformation.
This requires education and a broader understanding of issues within the world population.
Please offer both the entertaining and the educational.
I got a new direction just reading this article. It is really exciting to hear about this.