A Bold Energy Bill Passes The House

The more I read about Barbara Boxer's shepherding of a flawed global warming bill through the Environment Committee, which includes billions in payouts to pollution-producing industries like coal, the more I want to hide in a sink. But I do have to be proud of this development from the House of Representatives.

The House approved the first increase in federal automobile fuel efficiency requirements in three decades Thursday as part of an energy bill that also repeals billions of dollars in oil company tax breaks and encourages the use of renewable fuels.

The bill, passed by a vote of 235-181, faces a certain filibuster in the Senate and a veto threat from the White House.

I'd rather be on the right side of this issue and prove that, under a new President, we can stand up to special interests and take bold steps to solve lasting problems. Plus, because the Senate will likely strip elements out of the bill, it's great that the House is putting up a stake as bold as possible. It's a good negotiating position.

UPDATE: By the way, Tom Friedman is ignorant. And considering that he's a well-respected media pundit, that's redundant. Not only has the House passed a bill that would strongly move America away from foreign oil, but all of the top Presidential candidates have positions that are even stronger.