House Passage of Energy Legislation

The passage last night by the House of Democratic-sponsored legislation to extend renewable tax credits and impose a national renewble electricity standard in exchange for expanding drilling is good news.  Crafted specifically to appeal to Republicans with the inclusion of generous drilling provisions, but also including incentives for renewables which ostensibly enjoy bi-partisan support, this comprehensive legislation should have garnered many Republican votes.  Instead, only 15 Republicans voted for the legislation and President Bush has threatened to veto it.  Given the reluctance of the Bush Administration to take yes for an answer, one has to ask, what exactly does it want?

The answer appears to be legislation entirely favorable to oil without support for renewables, or else, no legislation at all.  While the legislation thus faces significant hurdles to eventual passage, it at least serves to call the Republican leadership out on their real view toward building a low carbon energy future.