NOT BAD FOR GOVERNMENT WORK:

Bush Signs Overhaul of U.S. Energy Policy: The ceremony culminates a 4˝-year drive by the president. Critics say the law doesn't go far enough to cut oil dependence. (Edwin Chen, August 9, 2005, LA Times)

President Bush on Monday signed the nation's first comprehensive energy legislation in 13 years, saying it eventually would "help every American" by boosting the economy and lessening the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources.

"This bill launches an energy strategy for the 21st century," Bush said. "It's an economic bill…. It's also a national security bill."

But Bush cautioned against unreasonable expectations that the law would produce quick results.

"This bill is not going to solve our energy challenges overnight," he said. "Most of the serious problems, such as high gasoline costs or the rising dependence on foreign oil, have developed over decades. It's going to take years of focused effort to alleviate those problems." [...]

[Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)] acknowledged that the legislation took "important steps" to increase the use of renewable energy, reduce global warming and cut dependence on foreign oil. For example, it provides as much as $3,400 per vehicle in tax credits, based on fuel savings potential, to people who buy hybrid cars.

As Democrats are reduced to opposing legislation that isn't perfect.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 9, 2005 10:13 AM