House Rushing Two Energy Bills

Washington DC July 26, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that House lawmakers are rushing out two energy bills that would provide funds for projects to develop alternative fuels, reports The Wall Street Journal.

House Republicans are renewing a push to open part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to oil and gas exploration. They say the government would receive billions of dollars in royalty payments and bonus bids from companies that want to drill in ANWR, which could finance an "Energy Independence Trust Fund."

Meanwhile, Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) unveiled a bill to spend billions of dollars over the next 10 years to develop cellulosic ethanol and a national ethanol distribution system; expand municipal rapid-transit systems; and, give U.S. automakers grants to make more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Chances of passing either bill through Congress are slim, however, with 25 legislative days remaining before Congress adjourns.