Earth Equity News

Both Democrats and Republicans Talk about Renewable Incentives in Separate Bill. By J. Taylor Rushing, The Hill, September 17, 2008. "Few senators expressed optimism [on Wednesday] that the two parties could resolve deep disagreements [over energy legislation] in such a compressed, politically charged atmosphere, especially with 60-vote thresholds likely necessary. [Senate Majority Leader Harry] Reid himself suggested a lame-duck session after the Nov. 4 elections might be necessary if the issue cannot be resolved. 'It would definitely be the triumph of hope over experience,' said Sen. John Thune (S.D.), the GOP's chief deputy whip. 'The Democrats will run their bill, the Republicans will run our bill, none of them will reach 60, and my guess is that's where everything stops'... Still... both Democrats and Republicans say the energy debate will be simplified by passing alternative energy tax incentives in a separate tax package, leaving only the sticky problem of expanding offshore oil drilling. But that could also be addressed quietly by removing a 27-year-old congressional ban on offshore drilling from this year's stopgap spending measure -- which is expected to clear before lawmakers leave at the end of the month. The ban is set to expire on Sept. 30, and Democratic leaders have conceded they don't have the votes to keep it intact -- although it could conceivably be re-implemented under a future Democratic president."