New York Times Editorial - A waste of energy
New York Times Editorial - A waste of energy
Copyright by The New York Times
Published: June 26, 2006
The leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives has proclaimed this week "House Energy Week," as if nomenclature alone could conjure up a useful response to America's dependence on foreign oil, or the threat of global warming, or even $3-a-gallon gasoline.
"Energy week," which may not last even five days, is a joke. There is one bill calling for further research into hybrid cars, another subsidizing solar demonstration projects, another encouraging more efficient tires. All are useful, all terribly modest given overall needs.
If there is any serious conservation to be had this year on energy, it is likely to take place in the Senate, which has before it two similar, comprehensive bills aimed at reducing oil dependency and, in the bargain, sharply reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Just getting a start on one of these big bills would be a plus. House members have introduced 267 energy-related bills this year, and senators have introduced 210. Everyone wants to be seen to be doing something. What those numbers really add up to is close to 477 excuses to do next to nothing.
Copyright by The New York Times
Published: June 26, 2006
The leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives has proclaimed this week "House Energy Week," as if nomenclature alone could conjure up a useful response to America's dependence on foreign oil, or the threat of global warming, or even $3-a-gallon gasoline.
"Energy week," which may not last even five days, is a joke. There is one bill calling for further research into hybrid cars, another subsidizing solar demonstration projects, another encouraging more efficient tires. All are useful, all terribly modest given overall needs.
If there is any serious conservation to be had this year on energy, it is likely to take place in the Senate, which has before it two similar, comprehensive bills aimed at reducing oil dependency and, in the bargain, sharply reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Just getting a start on one of these big bills would be a plus. House members have introduced 267 energy-related bills this year, and senators have introduced 210. Everyone wants to be seen to be doing something. What those numbers really add up to is close to 477 excuses to do next to nothing.
posted by Carlos T Mock at 7:54 AM
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