After 10 years of waiting, some experts say a Republican-controlled Congress and a patriotic mood will make the difference in passing energy legislation this year.
Could this be the year that Congress passes a comprehensive national energy bill? That's the question on the mind of the utilities industry. Some say with Republicans controlling both the U.S. House and Senate-not to mention the presidency-the prospects for comprehensive energy legislation are bright. But some pundits are not so sure.
Peter Fox-Penner, principal and chairman of the Brattle Group, says, "I wish Congress could, but I think the odds are against it," due partly to the war. "The president has a tax proposal. Last Congress couldn't even pass a budget. Hopefully, this Congress will do better at that," Fox-Penner noted. "Although I think energy is extremely important, we no longer have what I would characterize as a crisis in our electric power sector-at least a supply crisis. We do have terrible financial conditions, so I don't know that it will just break through the priority list on Capitol Hill."
Red, White, and Ready: The Patriotic Push for Energy Legislation
Deck:
After 10 years of waiting, some experts say a Republican-controlled Congress and a patriotic mood will make the difference in passing energy legislation this year.
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