Domenici reverses himself, supports fuel economy standards

kobtv.com ^ | 9/12/2005 | AP

[NRA2BFree]

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The chairman of the Senate Energy Committee says Hurricane Katrina was “a serious wake-up call” about America’s energy situation.

Republican Senator Pete Domenici says he used to think fuel economy standards should be left to the marketplace. Now, he thinks they should be increased.

Domenici tells C-Span the Gulf disaster and the skyrocketing gasoline costs it unleashed have made it clear more needs to be done to cut energy use.

Repeated attempts to force automakers to make more efficient vehicles have failed because of strong bipartisan opposition in Congress.

Domenici said those political barriers may be overcome after Katrina as gasoline prices are likely to stay high for years to come.

[NRA2BFree]

I wish Pete would push for drilling in ANWAR. We've got to find other energy sources. I've heard that home heating fuel is going to rise about 70% this winter. That's going to be a huge increase! 60% of NM's population is rural, and many of those folks are poor. I shudder to think what propane's going to cost.

[Protagoras]

The face of the Republican party grows increasingly ugly.

[Leatherneck_MT]

The face of the Republican Party increasingly looks like a jackass.

[Protagoras]

Yep, and it's only getting worse.

[wallcrawlr]

THis is what he's learned?

What happened to the primary lesson of supply and refinary production?

What is wrong with these people?

[MRMEAN]

All Congress has to do is pass a law requiring all vehicles to get at least 200 MPG. Problem solved.

[NRA2BFree]

All Congress has to do is pass a law requiring all vehicles to get at least 200 MPG. Problem solved.

Yep, that's the ticket. It'll be fixed instantly. :o)