Big oil, big target

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.