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Ross proposes energy bill that includes ANWR drilling Friday, Feb 15, 2008 By Aaron Sadler Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, proposed far-reaching energy legislation Thursday to allow oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off the nation's coastlines. For years, Congress has blocked oil drilling in the Alaska refuge and on the outer continental shelf because of widespread environmental concerns. Ross said he thought drilling in both areas could be conducted in "an environmentally friendly way." The estimated $80 billion in revenue generated over 30 years at those locations would pay for development of alternative energy sources to make the United States energy-independent. The proposal comes weeks after the president signed into law a broad energy bill passed in December which toughens fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. Ross said the 2007 bill didn't go far enough to wean Americans from foreign energy sources. "I've visited with people in my district who are struggling to put gas in their cars or pay their energy bills," Ross said. "Until we develop a comprehensive plan to make America energy independent, these problems will continue to exist and slow our economic growth." Because most Democrats in Congress oppose ANWR drilling, Ross seemed to imply Thursday he thought his bill had little chance for success in a Democratic-controlled House. "I never said that it wouldn't be controversial," he said. "I believe that these are ideas that need to be on the table. There needs to be a discussion. There needs to be a debate. I'm trying to advance that with this bill." Ross is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., co-sponsored the legislation. The bill would pay for tax credits for development of alternative fuels like biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, fuel created from grasses and tree limbs. It offers grants for research projects and construction of biofuel plants. It promotes expansion of nuclear energy and clean-burning coal as electricity sources and authorizes bonds for utilities that use renewable energy. It increases a tax credit for electricity produced from agriculture waste. "These ideas aren't Star War-ish, they aren't futuristic," Ross said. "These are things that are available today. They just need to have the backing of the government to get them from the science lab into the marketplace." In addition, the bill would create a tax credit for buyers of electric and flex-fuel vehicles, orders more biodiesel-fueled cars for federal and state fleets, and offers incentives for energy-efficient homes and businesses. |
