With Energy Bill, Industries Set to Cash in on Campaign Investments
By David Pace Associated Press Writer
Published: Nov 17, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - Energy industries that have invested millions of dollars in lawmakers' campaigns would reap billions in tax breaks and potential new business from compromise Republican legislation.
President Bush took office promising to develop a new energy policy. Since then, energy-related businesses have contributed nearly $70 million to lawmakers and political parties, with about three-fourths of it going to Republicans, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission records by the Center for Responsive Politics.
The energy sector also gave an additional $67 million - $50 million of it to Republicans - during the 2000 election cycle, when Bush won the presidency and Republicans regained control of the Senate.
The House and Senate are expected to vote this week on the final compromise developed by GOP negotiators. The measure is designed to boost energy production, improve reliability of the electricity grids and make it easier for energy companies to develop oil and gas on federal land. (snip/...)
On edit: (snip)
Political contributions from oil and gas industry sources have totaled nearly $30 million since Bush took office, with 80 percent of it going to GOP candidates or parties.(snip/...)
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGABBHN44ND.html