November 2002
Congress Drops Energy Bill Until 2003
(November 19) Lawmakers abandoned a last-ditch effort Wednesday to pass a scaled-back
energy bill. Republicans pledged to make energy a priority next year when they will hold
majorities in both the House and Senate.
Prospects for broad energy legislation dimmed in recent weeks because of disagreements
over proposals affecting the electricity industry and other issues. Few lawmakers gave
much of a chance for salvaging a bill after Republicans regained control of the Senate in
the Nov. 5 election.
Congress has struggled over energy legislation for nearly two years. In August 2001,
the House pushed through a bill that largely mirrored President Bush's energy priorities,
including oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The Senate, with Democrats in control, rejected many of the House provisions, including
development of the Alaska refuge. Last April, the Senate passed its version, giving more
incentives to development of renewable energy sources, requiring wider use of corn-based
ethanol, and banning MTBE, the gas additive blamed for polluting drinking water in many
states.
Disagreements between the House and Senate over key parts of the bill, including the
MTBE ban, electricity issues, and the Arctic refuge, could not be overcome.
Source: EnergyCentral.com
Department of Defense Postpones Energy Deregulation
(November 18) Paul Wolfowitz, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense, has
announced plans to extend the deadline for the privatization of utilities at military
installations nationwide from 2003 to 2010. In his October 9 memo, the Deputy Secretary
said, "To achieve innovative results, privatization must proceed in a deliberate
manner that promotes industry interest and competition to the maximum extent
possible." Delay in accomplishing the original goal of privatizing 1,600 systems
before 2003 is a result of the impact of electricity utility deregulation as well as
poorly prepared privatization solicitations.
For additional information, consult the DOD privatization web site.
Source: Federal Energy Management Program Monthly Update
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