IP Decries Energy Bill as “Politics as Usual”
Offers Bold, Innovative Alternative

Jim Moore, chairman of the Independence Party of Minnesota, today blasted the so-called “energy bill” that is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate. “This bill, as John McCain said, should really be called the “Leave No Lobbyist behind Bill,” said Moore, adding, “This bill represents everything that is wrong with politics today.” He highlighted the following as the most horrific examples:

  • The bill was crafted by lobbyists from the oil and gas industry with no public input (even the Democrats were excluded from the conference committee).
  • $50 billion in “pork barrel” spending, including the taxpayer financing of a mega-mall in Syracuse, New York that is three times the size of the Mall of America; and the fact that
  • There is no long-term plan to end this country’s reliance on foreign oil.

“In the four days since this 1100 plus page bill was released,” said Moore, “even more eye-watering problems have bubbled to the surface:”

  • Over 75% of the bill’s tax provisions and spending go toward the old energy technologies of oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries.
  • Loan guarantees on construction projects that leaves the Federal Government with undetermined and perhaps limitless liability.
  • Perhaps most disturbingly, the bill contains a provision to eliminate “product defect” liability on Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE), a fuel additive that has contaminated water supplies throughout the country. 

“We can do better for Minnesota and we can do better for our country,” said Moore. Jack Uldrich, vice chair of the party, then outlined the Independence Party’s alternative plan. Highlights included:

  • Cutting all $37 billion in tax breaks for the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries and redirecting the saving to the promotion of wind, solar and fuel cell technology. A specific provision would facilitate wind development in southern and western Minnesota;
  • Eliminate the $800 million loan guarantee for the Hoyt Lake coal gasification plant and replace it with $600 million in small business loan guarantees and $200 million for worker retraining grants in new emerging industries in northern Minnesota;
  • Outlining a plan to develop and build a hydrogen infrastructure to eliminate the United States’ need for foreign oil by 2015.

Released: 11/21/03