Energy Bill Passes House

The energy bill passed the House, despite a provision protecting the manufacturers and users of MTBE from litigation with one exception.

…the bill’s fate in the Senate could be complicated by a brouhaha over a gasoline additive, MTBE, that has been found to contaminate drinking water in at least 28 states. The bill would shield MTBE makers of liability in lawsuits unless they are found to be negligent in the handling of the product.

…[Tom] DeLay, R-Texas, had insisted the liability protection be part of the bill.

Sometimes I am so proud of my federal representatives, I could cry. I think Congress should extend this legislation to the makers of crack-cocaine and car bombs over a certain mega-ton rating — as long as they didn’t mishandle it, they should be exempt from litigation.

I’m repeating myself, but I still don’t understand why the oil, gas and electricity industries need the hand-outs included in this $32B (maybe more) bill. I thought one of the standards of the GOP was anti-welfare. Why does Exxon need money to expand their business? If they aren’t making enough, they should either go out of business or increase their prices.

Posted by etrigan at November 19, 2003 10:49 AM