So Bush is pushing for Cheney's energy bill again...

[salin]

While I haven't followed the development as closely this time around, it seems that the energy bill is in the same exact place it was a year ago. And its all bad.

Did some digging last spring/summer and have a bit of a sense of some of what is in there - and how it relates to the California crisis and how some of the provisions could impact situations to make the big blackout more common, rather than less common. And for a surprise treat... Good ole Ken Lay plays a big old role (even if not active now - remember this whole bill is tied to the energy task force in which he played a major role prior to the Enron meltdown - the House version is about in the exact form, I believe, as the task force recommendations; the senate version softens a few blows - but is still a BAD, BAD (and dangerous) bill; but they were forced to start work with the House version - sort of like starting from destination H*LL and only being able to barely modify the path).

What I have gleened is a very convoluted story. And I am sure there are more sources out there for us to read and get briefed. But we NEED to be knowledgable - this is the admins next big push. Why are they pushing now? Because bush is out fundraising again and has to make promises to deliver to his #1 constituencies (Big Energy) - something beyond some goodies/spoils from Iraq, he has yet to be able to deliver.

Are folks up for some self-teaching over the weekend? I will be out much of today but can be back Saturday afternoon or anytime Sunday to try to share what I know - to find more information - in order for more of us to try to get our hands around key issues. To be informed is to be forarmed. Sadly most people stay away from the issue beyond Anwr (which - by the way is a big part of their political strategy - get all eco groups focused ONLY on the one issue - bargain it away and get the bigger bag of goodies from the American public as a result) - because it is not an area most people know much about, and thus feel they are unable (or they are unwilling) to get informed and get involved.

Anyone up for this? I would love to spearhead such a discussion - but it will take some time/effort to ramp up for it - and would rather only invest that time and energy if there is some DU interest.

BTW here is a little taste - an article our own WillPitt wrote last year during one of the earlier pushes for this toxic energy bill. (the following parts were set aside, iirc, due to the fast moves of the bushadmin to push iraq iraq iraq 24/7). http://www.truthout.org/docs_02/07.10A.wrp.burning.htm

So what do you think? Those with energy interests or expertise - will you join us? Those with a willingness to get acquainted with the issue will you join us? Or is "us" just salin alone - barking up a lonely tree?