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The US Congress and the administration of US President Barack Obama are going to compound the mistakes committed in passing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by passing a climate change bill. The proposals to develop corn and cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and electricity from biofuels will increase energy costs and environmental degradation.

Details of the energy overhaul bill passed by Congress and signed into law are presented. The provisions in the bill on issues such as vehicle efficiency and motor fuels, biofuel standards and energy efficiency are discussed.

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program furnishes energy-assistance to families having incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level. Florida Power & Light Company's efforts to promote energy conservation programs are discussed.

The new Democratic majority in Congress is pursuing a re-examination of the oil and gas industry with an immediate focus on the Gulf of Mexico where large energy companies drill in government waters without paying royalties to the Treasury, as a result of a drafting error in more than 1,000 leases. The Democrats have passed have passed legislation to recoup the lost royalties and divert the money toward alternative fuel development and conservation measures, as part of their 'first 100 hours' agenda, though their enthusiasm to confront he industry extends way beyond the royalty dispute.

The US Congress' failure to revise the various exemptions and incentives that it wrote into law in 1975, has given the US automakers a chance to take full advantage of the oversight. The automakers have significantly increased the production of sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks, outnumbering cars, avoiding to pay a fine for being out of compliance with the government's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) limits, due to which there is an increase in gasoline prices.

US Congress may consider passing another energy bill in 2006 to curtail the escalating natural gas prices.

The U.S. Congress stands a chance of passing legislation this year that would not only require climate-specific standards for residential air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces, but would also pave [...]

What do you think about claims that natural gas retail prices are too high? This summer, for instance, during congressional debate over gas prorationing, Rep. Billy Tauzin (D-Louisiana) argued that, [...]

The United States House energy and commerce committee has approved the climate change bill. The bill is aimed at eliminating the country's dependence on foreign oil. It will also implement a cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions.

The US Senate and House overwhelmingly approved bills allowing the suspension of crude oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve up to the end of 2008. The bills allow crude oil purchases for the reserve if petroleum prices fall below $75/barrel for 90 days.

The American Exploration & Production Council (AEPC) believes new energy legislation in the US Congress such as the HR 3221 will reverse reforms implemented under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT). The group believes the proposed laws will only hamper production of natural gas, which benefited from the EPACT.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After two years of soaring gas prices, and with oil supplies continually threatened by those antagonistic toward America, Americans are searching desperately for alternatives to power our vehicles, […]

The renewed political interest in energy resources, caused by the 2008 elections, issues of climate change, the growing energy demand, and the issues of energy security, has greatly affected the U.S. coal industry. Perspectives in mine safety have also been influenced by the changes in the political landscape.

President Bush scored an important legislative win when Congress broke four years of gridlock to approve major energy policy overhaul legislation, which attempts to stimulate domestic energy supply and expand [...]