FACTBOX - Implemenation of Bush energy plan
Date: 22-May-01
Country: USA
Executive orders, like the one issued by President George W. Bush last Friday to require federal agencies to consider the impact of new federal regulations on energy supplies, take effect almost immediately.
Federal agencies and departments would be able to implement those parts of the plan that call for streamlining regulations and speed approvals of permits for power plants and oil refineries.
Congress will have to approve those portions of the energy plan that changes federal law, such as opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and allowing the government to take private lands for new electric transmission lines. Lawmakers could filibuster to death energy legislation they oppose.
The 105 recommendations developed by the White House energy policy task force include:
EXECUTIVE
* Require "energy impact" assessments of major new federal regulations that could significantly limit energy supplies.
* Prepare a comprehensive electricity deregulation bill to promote competition and enhance reliability.
* Develop closer energy integration of pipelines and transmission lines between the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
* Encourage Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries to open their energy sectors up to foreign investments
* Prior Bush executive orders have reduced energy use at federal facilities and required energy firms to supply electricity and natural gas to California's utilities.
AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS
* Environmental Protection Agency to review different gasoline formula standards to assess whether they contribute to regional fuel shortages.
* Transportation Department to study fuel economy standards for vehicles to see whether they can be raised without hurting U.S. automotive industry.
* Ease regulations to allow drilling on more federal lands.
* Speed approvals of new and renewed licenses for nuclear power plants. Allow more reactors to be built on current sites.
* Ease regulations for relicensing hydroelectric dams.
* Ease EPA rules to allow refineries and power plants to upgrade their facilities without installing tougher pollution control devices.
CONGRESS
* Open a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and natural gas drilling.
* Give Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to take private land for transmission lines.
* Invest $2 billion in clean coal technologies over the next decade, and extend an existing research and development
* Provide homeowners with a $2,000 tax credit to install solar electricity or hot water systems.
* Provide $4 billion in tax credits for purchases of "hybrid" cars that run on gasoline and electricity.
* Increase annual funding by $300 million to $1.7 billion for a federal program that helps low-income families pay their household energy bill.
