At press time, the new Congress had begun its 2007-08 session, launching energy-related initiatives, and already drawing opposition from oil and gas producers and from U.S. manufacturers.

Barry Russell, president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, says HR6, called the Clean Energy Act 2007, "is extremely harmful to America's oil and natural gas industry.

"While it is important for America to develop a broad energy portfolio, the nation's vast oil and natural gas resources cannot be ignored. This is a time to encourage American investment in energy projects here at home, not discourage it," he says.

Legislation to increase taxes on oil and gas companies "comes as a disappointment to manufacturers in America," says National Association of Manufacturers president John Engler. "The NAM applauds efforts to enhance our nation's energy security. In contrast, this measure would increase energy costs and discourage investment in domestic energy infrastructure and supply."