Energy Bill Aims to Power Up Ideas - 6/22/07

Monetary prizes are encouraging for inventors to design a product to replace light bulbs.  The government is offering prizes in the amount of $10 million for a 60 watt light bulb and $5 million for halogen lights.  This is part of the “Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prizes” which is part of a Senate energy bill.  There are many incentives and mandates that are encouraging participants to contribute to the energy crisis.  This bill also includes punishing price gougers for oil companies, setting higher gasoline mileage standards, and requiring more renewable fuel.  The President is expected to veto this bill due to the price-gouging and other provisions.  There are many ideas trying to be put in force that should help our environment.  Some of our major problems are school buses and trucks idling.  Appliances may be held to higher standards with holding different standards depending on location.  They are also trying to fund programs that would help reduce greenhouse gases that are contributing to global warming. 

This new bill would ensure that the government evaluates appliance efficiency standards every seven years.  There are still areas for biofuel, ethanol blending, transporting ethanol by pipeline, engine durability when biofuel are used, and the use of ethanol blends in boats and off-road vehicles.  They are also trying to improve vehicle batteries with grants available but without specified amounts.

The Senate hopes that this new bill will pass by the end of June.  They are expecting amendments from republicans and democrats.  Even with the support of both parties the oil industry dislike the price-gouging provisions.  Auto makers do not approve of the new mileage standards.  Fate of this bill is depending on the amendments from the floor. 

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