Update: House of Representatives considers change in energy policy

The Democratically controlled House of Representatives is presently considering HR 3221, an energy bill that could fundamentally alter US energy policy. The primary change under consideration is whether or not to grant $16 billion in tax credits as incentives for renewable energy. To offset the cost, the Bill would repeal tax credits to oil companies.

The Udall-Platts Amendment is also up for a vote. This Amendment to 3221 would require the adoption of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requiring that 15% of America's electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. This Amendment will be voted on first, followed by the Bill.


Noticeably absent from the debate are any changes to Corporate Automobile Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Rep. John Dingell, the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led the charge against CAFE changes. Dingell is the longest serving member of the House. He represents the 15th district of Michigan, a backbone of the American automobile industry.

(For a good summary on the situation, click here.)

In sum, the debate is over whether or not it should be US policy to incentivise renewables, and if so, to what extent.

From the right, Ben Lieberman at the Heritage Foundation argues that the bill is a step in the wrong direction. He has several concerns:

• incentives are only necessary because renewable energy sources can't compete in the open market,
• energy costs are going to go up, especially for areas of the country that are not ripe for wind energy, and
  
• the bill tightens restrictions on access to oil and natural gas, thereby adding to America's dependence on foreign oil.

From the left, Representative Tom Udall defends the Bill, including the inclusion of a RPS.

From the middle, the Washington Post's editorial board argues that the best part of the bill is its encouragement of new technology that would make coal energy cleaner.

What do you think? Whatever you do think, you should let your Representative know. The Capitol Hill Switchboard is 202-225-3121. This policy affects us all.

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Update: The House passed the Energy Bill, including the Udall-Platts Amendment, on Saturday, August 4. The measure passed by a vote of 241-172, with largely along party lines.

The Christian Science Monitor has pooled some reactions and critiques to the bill here. To get a complete sense of the pros and cons, check it out.