Anchorage Daily News

WASHINGTON -- The energy bill signed into law Wednesday by President Bush includes a provision that helps smooth the way for the federal office that will oversee regulatory approval of Alaska's proposed natural gas pipeline.

Alaska federal lawmakers say that the legislation -- which increases fuel efficiency standards for the first time since 1975 -- doesn't go far enough in developing the state's energy resources. But it has some important provisions for Alaska and the nation, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"It's extremely good news for this country," Murkowski said. "It's an energy bill that focuses on conservation and efficiency, and if you look at it from that perspective, it's a good energy bill. With the increased (fuel efficiency) standards, with the focus on efficiency, whether it's the appliances, the light bulbs, or the building codes ... there were some good gains to be had in that."

Both Murkowski, and fellow Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens voted for it, in part because of the natural gas pipeline provisions that make it easier to hire people for the federal pipeline regulatory organization. Stevens also helped negotiate the fuel efficiency standards with Democrats and the auto industry. The law requires the fuel economy for cars and light trucks to increase to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

"The only way our nation will achieve energy independence is through a combination of initiatives such as conservation, domestic production, and the development of alternative sources of energy," Stevens said in a statement. "Not only will increasing fuel economy standards limit our nation's dependence on foreign oil, it will also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The bill has a number of conservation measures in it, including a Stevens-authored requirement that government offices use energy-efficient light bulbs.

U.S. Rep. Don Young voted against the energy bill, saying that it didn't do enough to focus on production; he filed his own "alternative energy" proposal this week once the House passed the legislation.

"This year, every bill we've passed concerning energy is another bullet in the chamber of a gun staring point blank at America's head -- and by my count it's almost fully loaded," Young said.

Find Erika Bolstad online at adn.com/contact/ebolstad or call her in Washington, D.C., at 202-383-6104.

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