On energy, Congressa dim bulb

For those who thought a Democratic takeover of Congress would lead to a conservation-oriented energy policy, now is the time for your disappointment. Even some Republicans are admitting that their own consumption-oriented leanings are no longer valid as the cost of a barrel of oil nears $100. Yet even with public pressure to act building, Democratic leaders in the Senate and House haven't budged.

Both chambers passed an energy bill, with the Senate version stronger on improved fuel efficiency and the House version stronger on renewable sources of electricity. Then the bills disappeared into a conference committee, where whatever is happening is being done in secrecy.

Admittedly, there is little Democrats can do to reduce the cost of gasoline quickly, given rising global demand for a finite supply of oil. Higher car mileage requirements and more use of renewable fuels actually could cost consumers more in the short term in the form of higher car prices and electricity costs. Heading into a presidential election, neither party seems motivated to tell voters the truth about oil.

But inaction is likely to be punished, too. So lawmakers might as well do the right thing.

The most important step is to force the automobile industry to make significant mileage improvements in cars and trucks. It's the necessary first step on the path to progress, because 70 percent of our oil supply goes for transportation. Whatever short-term pain is felt would give way to long-term gains in reducing our dependency on foreign oil, and that would give the economy a boost.

House Democrats such as John Dingell of Michigan have opposed the mileage gains written into the Senate bill in a misguided attempt to save autoworker jobs. If that logic were sound, the American automobile industry wouldn't be on life support. With a gallon of gas exceeding $3 a gallon, Americans aren't going to continue to buy gas guzzlers.

For its part, the Senate should move toward the House position on requiring 15 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020. Florida and other states are showing the way on this issue. Gov. Charlie Crist has called for Florida utilities to generate 20 percent of their power using renewable fuels.

There is a hidden benefit for Democrats to act. Those steps taken to improve mileage and broaden the fuel mix also would address concerns about climate change. In this case, Democrats don't have to be bold. They just have to be responsible.

[Last modified November 23, 2007, 21:47:59]