Aug. 1, 2008 – 2:08 p.m.
Congress broke for August recess Friday locked in the same stalemate over energy that has stalled action on gasoline prices for most of the summer.
While leaders failed to reach a deal, two bipartisan groups of rank-and-file members in the House and Senate on Thursday and Friday outlined energy proposals that they hope could chart a way through the logjam when lawmakers return in September.
Both proposals include expanding offshore drilling – the contentious heart of Republican energy policy, which has dominated the recent debate over energy prices and blocked any movement forward. But both also include significant provisions for energy conservation and funding renewable power, which Democrats support.
The 10-member Senate group led by Sen.
“Everybody here has seen what’s gone on in the Senate over the last couple of weeks. The well is pretty poisoned out there right now. ... But when we come back in September, we’re very hopeful,” Chambliss said.
In the House, Democrat
Senate leaders have indicated that major new energy legislation should come through their offices – but said they were open to considering the package, especially in light of the current partisan standoff.
“This proposal includes some very good ideas to address our country’s many energy-related challenges, and while I do not agree with every part of it, I very much appreciate the bipartisan spirit in which it was constructed,” Reid said. “This group’s ideas should be helpful as we craft comprehensive energy legislation.”
Donald Stewart, a spokesman for McConnell, said, “$4.00-a-gallon gas is a big problem that requires a serious solution. As to this product, we will review it to see how it fits into our effort to lower the price of gas, and to find more and use less energy.”