"GAS Bill Wouldn't Lower Prices, Just Raise Profits, Say Green Groups"

SAN FRANCISCO - A new bill designed to soothe inflamed gas prices by boosting refinery output has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, but environmental advocates say the Act is really a gift to the oil industry and would not have significant or immediate effects on prices at the pump.

The bill, Gasoline for America's Security (GAS), eases permitting procedures for oil refineries and offers investment incentives to companies that build refineries. It narrowly passed the House 212-210 on October 7, and though Senate passage is very much in doubt, its House sponsors have vowed to raise many of its components again if GAS is not approved in its current form.

"The legislation is basically a handout to oil companies at an expense to consumers and the environment. It does nothing to stop skyrocketing fuel costs," according to Toby Chaudhuri, the communications director of the Apollo Alliance, a non-profit group advocating a shift from foreign oil to alternative energies.

"America needs an oil change and this bill is out of gas," Chaudhuri said.

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1017-06.htm

America will never, ever be secure until we end our dependence on fossil fuels.

they're already getting verrryyyyy slleeeepy...

price of gas to over $3.00/gal and then slowly bring them down to where they are now and keep them there. Once everyone got over the sticker shock they now accept the price at around $2.80 - $2.90. This is also corporate welfare, offering investment incentives to companies that don't need them. We already know these companies or the republicans don't give one damn about the environment. We need alternative energies but our government is handing out incentives for OIL.