With prices at the pump continuing to rise and no real solution in sight, some politicians are looking for ways to provide some much needed relief. The problems with the American oil shortage have been well-documented, and it seems as if congress is finally coming up with solutions.
According to Rebecca Boyle of the Fort Collins Now, "The "New Energy Reform Act" would extend a federal renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credit, set to expire this month, until 2012. It would also provide $15 billion for research into advanced batteries and other energy-storing technologies, and for automakers to redesign efficient engines. It includes another $2.5 billion for research into next-generation biofuels and infrastructure" (Boyle). .
The new bill is clearly a step in the right direction, though there is a long way to go before its ideals have any effect on the common consumer. Currently, prices continue to stay at an all-time high while many common people struggle to make ends meet. The plan is one that includes a number of different measures for helping solve the energy problem, which is why many believe it could be a viable solution. One of its primary missions is to expand upon the amount of offshore drilling the United States is currently doing. .
That is not enough, according to some politicians though. The new bill includes the input of many different senators, another reason why confidence is high that it could have a chance to make its way through Senate. According to the same article by Boyle, concern over rising fuel prices is something that divides party lines. She writes, "A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Colorado's Democratic senator, Ken Salazar, is pushing a bill that would allow some offshore drilling to ease fuel prices and tie the drilling to new incentives for renewable energy" (Boyle). .
This solution is not thought to be a short-term fix. Unfortunately for consumers, things might get worse with this type of solution before they get any better.
