When the energy bill went before the Senate yesterday morning, it had been stripped of the Renewable Energy Standard, but it still retained the tax package, which would have reversed $13.5 billion in tax breaks to oil and gas companies to help pay for $21 billion worth of investment in renewable energy.
Republicans, as always, threatened a filibuster, so majority leader Harry Reid went for a cloture vote, for which he needed 60 votes. He got 59.
The final roll call shows that only one Democrat voted Nay: Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. If she had voted Yea, the bill would have passed.
Over on Landrieu's website, here's the headline (h/t: DE): "Landrieu Sides with State Over Party in Energy Bill Vote".
But that's horseshit. Landrieu sided with oil companies over the public interest. "The state" had nothing to do with it. Losing $13.5b of pork wouldn't leave a dent on an industry that posted $771b in revenue in 2006, nor would it cause any economic downturn in Louisiana.
What working class and middle class Louisianans get from the rejection of the tax package is the same thing all Americans get: an energy field that remains tilted toward the stuff that's destroying us.
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Comments
View as Flat
Sam Wells Posted 3:58 am
14 Dec 2007
In addition to being the energy capital of the world (Houston is the refining and petrochemical capital of the world), many jobs in the offshore industry are found in Louisiana. Let us not forget the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is mostly located in Louisiana - and another huge storage dome is proposed to be constructed (at great risk to the environment from the pumped salt brine).
Third, Big Oil is happening off Louisiana, moreso than Alaska could ever deliver. Several huge offshore platforms, once on line, could boost total energy stocks by as much as 5% (just by themselves) and more rigs are planned.
Let's just say that Louisiana Democrats are a wee bit different from your more traditional concept of what a democrat should be...
Onward through the fog
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Biodiversivist Posted 4:03 am
14 Dec 2007
In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world
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wesrolley Posted 4:12 am
14 Dec 2007
Seriously, if Democrats continue to disappoint, then it is time to make that point. Dr. Mesplay would, at least, get the science right.
Wes Rolley
CoChair - EcoAction Committee
Green Party US
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infp Posted 4:23 am
14 Dec 2007
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rycarson Posted 4:24 am
14 Dec 2007
Much of my family lives in Louisiana. I asked them to vote for her in the last election because, sadly, her opponent was a Republican who would certainly have blocked progress. I'm starting to wonder about any hope for change down there.
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Sam Wells Posted 4:56 am
14 Dec 2007
Sorry for the diversion, but my brother lives in the Miss/Louisiana area and has commented about entire islands that were once on the nautical charts, but no longer were there, or just little humps.
Onward through the fog
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josullivan58 Posted 7:00 am
14 Dec 2007
As I understand it Sen. Mary Landrieu initially voted for the bill, but then said no. She probably voted yes because her single vote would not matter in the outcome, but when it came down to one vote there would have been negative repercussions for the democratic party in Louisiana.
Texas and Louisiana democrats are different than most democrats. I joke with people I know in New York that Texas democrats are more conservative than New York republicans.
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