Elton Gallegly supports big oil in energy bill

Ojai's congressional representative, Elton Gallegly, voted today with his fellow Republicans to pass HR 3893, Gasoline for America's Security Act, which narrowly passed by a 212-210 vote.

From the AP:

The House narrowly approved a Republican-crafted energy bill Friday aimed at encouraging construction of new refineries, although opponents said it would do nothing to ease energy prices while handing unneeded benefits to a profit-rich oil industry.

(snip)

The vote, which was supposed to be taken in five minutes, lasted more than 40 minutes as GOP leaders searched for the last two votes they needed to get the bill approved. They buttonholed lawmakers for last-minute lobbying as Democrats complained loudly that the vote should be closed. Finally two GOP lawmakers switched from "no" to "yes," giving the bill's supporters the margin of victory.

(snip)

"The bill weakens state and federal environmental standards ... and gives a break to wealthy oil companies while doing little or nothing to affect oil prices," complained Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., one of 13 Republicans who voted against the measure.

But that's OK, its not like the oil industry is "awash in record levels of cash."  I've called Rep. Gallegly's Thousand Oaks office, and told his staff member I would be posting on this story.  They, as always, are welcome to respond, but thus far have a perfect track record of not responding to my previous three inquiries on various subjects.

Comments

[Kenley Neufeld]

Was he one of the two Republican's that switched their vote?

[Tyler]

Gallegly was not one of the two that switched - he was a "YES" from the get-go.