US House passes energy bill; Senate vote looms

06 December 2007 21:45  [Source: ICIS news]

WASHINGTON (ICIS news)--The US House of Representatives approved a controversial energy bill on Thursday with a 235-181 vote that was largely along party lines.

 

The bill, HR-6, titled the “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,” raises automotive fuel efficiency standards, mandates a four-fold increase in US biofuels use, requires more renewable fuels in electric power generation and raises taxes on domestic oil and gas production.

 

The Democrat-sponsored bill was heavily criticised by Republicans and US business interests who charged that the measure will actually reduce US energy supplies and raise costs to consumers and industry.

 

However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat-California) said the bill puts the US on a path to energy independence and reduced carbon emissions.

 

The bill garnered 221 votes among House Democrats but only 14 Republicans voted in favour.  Only seven Democrats voted against it along with 174 Republicans.

 

The bill now goes to the US Senate where Democrats hold a slim, one-vote majority.

 

To win approval in the Senate, Democrats will have to win support from at least 9 Republicans because 60 votes are required to invoke cloture, meaning to end debate on the matter and proceed to a vote on the bill's merits.

 

If Democrats cannot muster the 60 votes needed to shut off debate, the bill’s backers may decide to weaken some of its provisions in hopes of securing passage.

 

The White House has already indicated that President George Bush would veto the legislation in its present form because of its increased taxes on energy production and its mandate for renewable fuels use in electric power generation.

By: Joe Kamalick
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