Insiders Not Betting On Energy Bill
Members of both parties on Capitol Hill have limited expectations for significant energy legislation this year, despite Pres. Obama's broadcast appeal from the Oval Office last week when he reviewed the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the new National Journal Congressional Insiders poll, 56% of Dems predicted the enactment of a "modest bill," and another 23% said that nothing will be enacted. GOPers were even more negative about the legislative prospects for one of the Dems' top priorities: 73% predicted that nothing would be enacted and another 23% expected a modest bill.
The House passed major energy and climate-change legislation in June 2009, with "cap and trade" limits on carbon emissions. But the measure has become bogged down in the Senate, with major divisions among Dems and little if any GOP support.
In his June 15 address, Obama said that the country must reduce petroleum use to reduce the chances of future drilling disasters, and that it must curb fossil-fuels dependence to promote a clean-energy future.
But Dem Insiders said that Congress is not ready to step up. "Shockingly, the worst oil spill in America's history -- every four days in the Gulf leak an Exxon Valdez equivalent -- has failed to undermine the equally oily dealings of the oil, gas, and coal lobbies in Congress," one Insider said. Another added, "in this tough election year, it isn't likely that Members will be willing to take a tough vote on legislation that would enact real change."
Only 20% of Dems were optimistic about prospects for enactment of a significant bill. But only a handful of that small group predicted that carbon limits would be part of the final bill. "Carbon limits may be too contentious this year. But if the worst environmental disaster in world history can't get the U.S. to adopt a plan to substantially increase new energy technology development, what will?" asked a Dem Insider who predicted enactment of a significant bill.
Among GOPers, most focused on the divisions among Dems to explain the negative prospects for the measure. "Democrats are too divided on energy to enact any meaningful legislation this year," said a GOP Congressional Insider. Another caustically added, "After a failed $1 trillion stimulus and a health care bill that actually raises costs, no one has the stomach for a massive new energy tax."
In a separate question, Congressional Insiders in both parties expressed ambivalence about the Obama admin's conduct of the war in Afghanistan. Among Dems, 51% were "somewhat confident," and only 13% were "very confident." 71% of GOPers were "not very confident" or "not confident at all."
Dems calling for more patience cited the need for more time for Afghans to take charge of their own government plus their concern over the capabilities of Afghan and Pakistani partners. "How confident can anyone be in the Afghan government?" asked a Dem Congressional Insider.
GOPers applauded this week's appointment of Gen. David Petraeus to take charge of the military campaign in Afghanistan. But others voiced continuing doubts that Obama is committed to the cause. "Although some good decisions have been made, I'm concerned the President will ultimately defer to the far left when he needs to," said one GOPer.
To see more responses and the full Insider's Poll, click here.
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus