House Works To Pass Energy Bill
It took three decades – but the House has finally approved the first increase in federal automobile fuel efficiency requirements. Approving this increase is connected to an energy bill that also repeals billions of dollars oil company tax breaks and encourages use of renewable fuels.
Democrats characterized the legislation as “a new direction” in U.S. energy policy away from dependence on fossil fuels. But Republicans said the actions amount to government mandates that would lead to higher energy prices, while doing little to produce more domestic oil or natural gas - fuels they say will remain essential for decades to come.