Energy bill a 'waste of energy,' says NRDC

[struggle4progress]

Statement by Karen Wayland, NRDC Legislative Director


WASHINGTON (July 26, 2005) -- With the House-Senate Conference Committee reporting out comprehensive energy legislation, environmentalists are left wondering, "What's the point of an energy bill that doesn't save energy?" The following is a statement by Karen Wayland, legislative director for Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

"Congress has failed to deliver a responsible energy policy that moves America towards energy independence and energy security while providing affordable energy and a clean environment. By every measure, the energy bill put forth by this Congress turned out to be not just a missed opportunity but a huge waste of energy. In fact, clearly nothing good can come from this bill, so why the rush? We urge Congress to quit while it's behind and put the brakes on what really is an energy bill in name only.

"Everyone agrees that the energy bill must reduce America's growing dependence on oil and lower energy prices for consumers. Most also believe that we should invest aggressively in U.S. technologies to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy sources that can create jobs. And reducing global warming pollution is of paramount importance. To this we would add that any energy bill must safeguard America's natural resource heritage and local economies by protecting special places, such as our western public lands and fragile coasts. To protect taxpayers, the also should eliminate subsidies for polluting industries.

"Unfortunately, the energy bill produced by Congress fails to take any steps to make us more secure by putting us on a path to energy independence; in fact, it will prolong - -and possibly worsen -- our dangerous dependence on oil. <snip>

http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/050726.asp

[rumpel]

1. Exact same impression I had reading in the LATimes this morning.