US House committee approves five energy efficiency bills

Washington (Platts)--20Jun2006

The US House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday approved by voice
vote five bills intended to make small cuts in US consumption of fossil fuels.
Members of both parties supported the bills, but no one argued that the
measures would lead to substantial reductions in energy use.

Several Democrats excoriated the measures for not doing enough to cut
demand for imported oil or global warming. "To call these bills baby steps is
really an insult to the one-year-olds of America," said Representative Jay
Inslee, Democrat-Washington.

The bills are likely to get a favorable vote on the House floor during
House "energy week," which is slated to kick off on June 26.

The bills would: encourage cooperation with Israel on energy-saving
technology; provide $10 million for an industry-government consumer education
program advocating better driving habits; establish a campaign to encourage
proper tire inflation; promote alternative fuel pump installation; and study
energy efficient computer servers.

An Energy Department source said the bills would not cause the
administration any "heartburn." But neither she, nor members of the committee
would comment on the chances of passage of the measures in the Senate.

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