June 26, 2007 09:10 PM UTC

Senate Shortcomings on Energy

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• by: EnvironmentColorado

Last week the Senate made a pass at taking significant action on renewable energy.  You know, the kind of energy that would help reduce reliance on foreign oil and help combat global warming.  A comprehensive Energy Bill was passed in the Senate, however a Federal 
Renewable Energy Standard (RES) was not included.  This amendment 
would have required that 15% of energy produced in the United States comes from renewable sources by 2020.  A federal ruling would have given Colorado the chance to become a significant energy exporter in the West, helping to boost local economies.

Once it looked as though there would be enough votes to avoid a filibuster, certain individuals prolonged the decision long enough to avoid a vote altogether.  No surprise, but yet again key players let powerful interests trump public welfare.

James Inhofe, the brilliant Senator who thinks global warming is a hoax, led the opposition with the endorsement of special interests including Big Oil, Coal and Gas.  Inhofe did the bidding of Southern Company, Peabody Coal and Exxon Mobil among others. The South’s influence, played a big role in the outcome. Because they say they’re unable to comply to a Federal RES, they obtrusively lobbied swingable parties from both sides to vote against a 15% by 2020 standard.

One encouraging ruling that came about was the passing of an amendment which increased gas-mileage in cars and light trucks.  Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards haven’t been increased in over 30 years! So, this is a huge step in the right direction for environmental quality.  Hopefully this thinking catches on and other productive legislation is passed.