House Approves Broad Energy Bill

House Republicans Vote to Protect Makers of MTBE, Screw Average Americans. 4/23--Buzzflash

Thu Apr 21, 6:53 PM ET

By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The House approved a far-ranging energy bill Thursday that would open an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling and shield makers of a controversial gasoline additive from environmental lawsuits — both issues likely to meet strong opposition in the Senate.

AP Photo AP Photo Slideshow: House Approves Energy Bill

The bill also would funnel more than $12 billion in tax breaks and subsidies to energy companies. Opponents of the legislation said it would do little to foster less energy use. A proposal to require higher fuel economy for cars was rejected.

The administration embraced the legislation, although a White House analysis expressed reservations about the size of the incentives to the oil and gas industries, especially a $2 billion subsidy for developing oil and gas in deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.