Energy bill show differences

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005 | 11:34 a.m.

Sun Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- In the aftermath of an explosive vote on energy legislation on the House floor Friday, two Nevada lawmakers were left with somewhat different perspectives. Depending on your political leanings, the bill will either raise or lower gasoline prices.

The bill was approved 212-210, with no Democrats voting for it. Republicans said the bill will spur development of oil refineries, but Democrats said it was an unnecessary gift to oil companies that will hurt the environment.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., issued a press release with this headline: "Berkley Votes Against Latest GOP Special Interest Energy Bill," with the subhead: "Package Lacks Tough Price Gouging Protections, Will Keep Gas Prices High."

The release quoted Berkley as saying: "While Republicans are busy patting themselves on the back for providing oil companies with even more tax breaks, Las Vegas drivers are still struggling with near-record gas prices.

"This bill will not save Nevadans pennies at the pump, but it will boost the bottom line for ExxonMobil and other oil companies already racking up record profits at the expense of consumers."

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., issued his release under the headlines: "Gibbons Votes to Reduce Gas Prices" and "Bill Toughens Price Gouging Laws, Encourages Domestic Production."

Gibbons' quote: "The GAS Act is another step toward reducing our dependency on foreign sources of oil and promoting our domestic ability to meet our modern-day energy needs. By increasing our number of refineries we will be able to boost our production capabilities and close the gap between supply and demand."

Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., voted with Gibbons for the bill. Porter, who issues relatively few press releases compared to his two House colleagues from Nevada, did not issue one on this bill.