New $15b Energy Bill Fuels Policy Debate

MEDIA WATCH

A new 1,700-page, $15 billion energy bill doesn’t offer much near- term progress toward energy independence or relief from ultra-high gas prices. But it did provide plenty of fuel for special-interest groups, lawmakers, and the White House as they intensified the debate over national energy policy. Lost in the cross talk was some good news for consumers: tax credits for the purchase of certain appliances, hybrid vehicles, and home improvements.

Most frequent messages

1 Will do little in the short term to alleviate high gas prices or reduce foreign-oil dependence

2 Investing in domestic production of energy sources will lead to less foreign dependence

3 Gives billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies to energy companies and other industries

4 Does little to curb demand for gasoline or to promote renewable energy and conservation

5 Will take years to alleviate the problems of high gas prices and dependence on foreign oil

Based on an analysis of major-market news coverage appearing from August 8-10, 2005

Evaluation and analysis by Delahaye-a division of Bacon’s Information

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Aug 22, 2005