Living Green

GOP keeps drilling on the energy issue

WASHINGTON — In a late-summer U.S. Capitol where even tourists were in short supply, a handful of Republican House members were once again at their protest posts Tuesday.

As they have for 18 straight weekdays now, the GOP lawmakers held forth in the chamber of the recessed House, demanding that the Democratic majority return to allow an up-or-down vote on an energy bill that includes more drilling for oil and gas, including along the U.S. outer continental shelf.

Rep. Tom Price of Roswell, a Georgian who has played a leading role in the congressional "speak-in," was back in town to chide the platform the Democrats produced at their presidential nominating convention in Denver. Price said it "did not mention increasing the supply of gasoline," which he called "the number one issue of the day."

Other Republicans expressed concern that Democrats in Denver might draw up a new energy strategy that would go only part way toward the GOP position.

Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas warned against a "cynical" political move coming "just because we've turned up the heat."

The Republicans are insisting on a vote on a bill that provides for maximum production of American fuels as well as promoting new energy sources and energy conservation. Amid soaring gasoline prices, they hold that a bipartisan majority of House members would agree.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has refused to allow a vote on the Republican proposal. She and many Democratic leaders counter that drilling for more oil would damage the environment and provide little price relief at the gas pumps, while prolonging dependence on fossil fuels.

As part of the energy confrontation, the Republican lawmakers also seek an end to the congressional ban on offshore drilling. The ban is set to expire Sept. 30. The GOP pledged to resist any extension, even if it is inserted into annual spending legislation needed to run the federal government.

Asked if the Republicans would try to shut down the government over the drilling issue, Price held that "80 percent of the American people" favor the Republican energy proposals and added, "If push comes to shove, that's (the Democrats') decision to make."