Dems Prepare Another Energy Package

House Democrats are preparing a package of modest measures with the hope of boosting domestic oil production - and insulating themselves from continued Republican attacks.

As early as next week, Democratic leaders could bring legislation to the floor that would force oil companies to relinquish unused land, expedite the permitting process in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve and prevent most shipments of domestic oil to foreign countries, like Japan.

The package could also include legislation compeling the administration and oil companies to construct two oil and gas pipelines - one connecting drilling sites in Alaska with a central distribution point and another to pump oil directly from Alaska the lower 48 states, most likely through Canada.

This announcement comes two days after Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called on President Bush to make a small portion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve available to domestic consumers. She has argued that an immediate infusion, however small, is the best way to lower gas prices over the short-term. She sent her members a "dear colleague" letter Thursday urging them to make the same case over the next few days.

Republicans have been on the attack for weeks, charging Democrats with evasion for preventing the minority party from bringing up any legislation that would open new land for oil and gas drilling. House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday said Democratic leaders were just trying to shield their members from taking a difficult vote.
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