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Energy irresponsibility

President Bush behaved more like a nervous suitor than a head of state as he planted a kiss on each of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah's cheeks and held the robed head-of-state's hand. 'The message was clear: Please, please, please, sell us more oil. That is what passes for energy policy in this administration.

There also is the House energy bill, which looks more like a multibillion dollar handout to the already cash-rich oil industry. Even Bush acknowledged the bill "wouldn't change the price at the pump today." So why is he pushing passage of legislation that ineffectively addresses the real problem?

Maybe there still is oil in the old wildcatter's blood. That could explain his fondness for Abdullah, who is not exactly America's boon companion. Saudi Arabia's oil profits and radical brand of Islam have been the seed corn of Mideast terrorism, but it has one thing Americans covet: the world's largest oil reserves.

After meeting with the president, Abdullah announced his country would try to bring world oil prices down and increase pumping. Those were hardly hopeful steps, however, because demand in China, India and the rest of the developing world is growing faster than new supplies. Besides, some experts believe world oil production is already near or at its peak.

If it really wants to bring down the cost of oil, Congress should not only be seeking more supply but also moving aggressively to conserve energy and develop new fuels. Yet the House energy bill takes neither of those issues seriously. It gives $8-billion in tax breaks to energy producers but only $8-million for research into producing fuel from sugar cane.

Also hidden in the bill are special interest giveaways. Most egregious is creation of a liability exemption for makers of a fuel additive (called MTBE) that has polluted drinking water throughout the nation. The measure was added by House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, where most of the companies are located.

Instead of requiring automakers to improve mileage, which is the quickest way to reduce gasoline demand, the House is looking to drill its way to happiness. DeLay added $2-billion to expand exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. With weak-kneed protection of the eastern gulf by Sen. Mel Martinez, Florida may end up paying the price of poor energy planning.

The only hope of real relief at the gas pump is that the Senate will be more responsible. Otherwise, all Americans will be kissing up to Abdullah.

[Last modified April 27, 2005, 00:47:14]