House Votes Green, But White House Threatens Veto
Don't count on decreasing your dependence on traditional energy sources based on legislation approved in the House of Representatives today.
The Democrat controlled
House passed H.R. 6 less than an hour ago. This legislation jumps fuel economy requirements from 27.5 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon and increases the tax burden on traditional energy companies. Rolling back the previous tax credits is earmarked to investigate alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. The fuel economy requirements, called CAFE requirements, would be phased in over a 12 year period.
Except Senate Republicans and a defiant White House are promising the bill will never become law. Original author Rep. Nick Rahal (D-WV) and 198 co-sponsors ensured the bill, introduced at the beginning of 2007, would easily pass the House.
The bill had not yet been passed when the White House released a statement saying that H.R. 6 "...would raise taxes and increase energy prices for Americans. That is a misguided approach and if it made it to the President's desk, he would veto it."
Despite the promised veto and the threat that Senate Republican leaders might even manage enough votes to keep the bill from going to the White House, the House moved quickly after threatening the legislation all week.
"This showdown over energy happened along party lines," said Consumer Help Web COO George Bounacos. "Things are now politicized to the point that the Bush administration refers to their concept as 'energy security' and the House bill approving the Senate's earlier amendments refers to 'energy alternatives.' While they argue over words and taxes, nothing changes and consumers still face huge price increases at the gas pump since that remains our primary fuel source for personal transportation."
Strong lobbying groups for the automobile manufacturing and energy industries kept the bill stalled almost to the holiday break. With the House's work now down, CNN is quoting Senate Democrats who say they will introduce the legislation as early as 48 hours, even calling back candidates involved in the 2008 Presidential election process.
Oil prices jumped $3 higher today, once again crossing the $90 mark.
Labels: Bush, Congress, energy, gas prices
Air Wars Over Who Strands More, But Consumer Help Web Publishes Official Data
Fur, empty peanut bags and soda cans have been flying around airline cabins after a group of American Airline passengers reportedly formed a special interest group to lobby for airline passenger rights after being stranded on the airline. Commercial aviation groups have fought back, and the rhetoric has been heated on both sides.
As the U.S. Independence Day holiday approaches on July 4, here is the important data you need to know if you're flying:
* Expect security to be heightened after terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow.
* Don't worry about getting back in to the United States given the well-publicized passport delays if you are going to Canada, Mexico or the islands. Do worry if the country to which you are traveling requires a passport. The State Department
made an announcement about this weeks ago.
* The biggie has to do with liquids. Everyone will be in line. Everyone will be tired and/or excited. Don't hold the security line up. Here is the definitive word on liquids and other carry-on items:
The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints.
1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
2. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
3. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
TSA calls this policy 3-1-1, and they don't mean Nick Hexum.
Check out the rest of the rules before you leave for the airport.
If you're driving, you may be familiar with AAA's famous gas price survey. The auto club now has an even better tool --
a database of 85,000 filling stations that lets you find the least expensive fuel options. Use it, and put the extra scratch in your pocket for a sparkler.
Labels: AAA, airline, FAA, gas prices, travel, TSA
