And now, hard part is ready to begin; energy bill conferees must bridge differences

The US House and Senate have passed major energy bills with many similarities but also with differences that must be settled. Both bills contain alternative minimum tax measures, outer continental shelf limitations, oil and gas lease buybacks, alternative fuel amendments and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission natural gas pipeline approval method changes. The differences include the amount of limitations placed on oil and gas leases and a natural gas prorationing program included in the House bill.