WASHINGTON (AP) - Declaring a new direction in energy policy, the House on Saturday approved $16 billion in taxes on oil companies, while providing billions of dollars in tax breaks and incentives for
renewable energy and conservation efforts.
Republican opponents said the legislation ignored the need to produce more domestic oil,
natural gas and coal. One GOP lawmaker bemoaned "the pure venom ... against the oil and gas industry."
The House passed the tax provisions by a vote of 221-189. Earlier it had approved, 241-172, a companion energy package aimed at boosting
energy efficiency and expanding use of biofuels,
wind power and other renewable energy sources. "We are turning to the future," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. ...