Of course, the industry is wondering what President elect Bill Clinton will attempt on energy policy next year.
Clinton's general energy beliefs are well known: a preference for clean burning natural gas, a proenvironmental tilt, and a desire for better auto fuel economy.
Beyond that, not much is sure. For example, Rep. Phil Sharp (D Ind.) is chairman of the House energy and power committee, the jumping off point in Congress for Clinton's energy proposals. Some even think Sharp may be in the running to be named secretary of energy.
Even Sharp was in the dark on Clinton's energy plans when he spoke to a National Association of Manufacturers gathering in Washington last week.
Although he did not say he would refuse it, Sharp brushed aside the possibility he could be offered the cabinet post.
He knew nothing about the possibility that Clinton's economic package might include an oil fee to stabilize the price of imported oil at about $20/bbl and thus protect domestic production.
Last week the Independent Petroleum Association of America said No. 1 on its 1993 lobbying agenda is to "revise import/export policies to stabilize and expand domestic oil production and prevent the premature loss of stripper oil production."
Regarding his subcommittee's agenda, Sharp said, "I simply don't know at this point."
He said the new administration at first will focus on short term and long term economic proposals, reflecting the overriding concern of the electorate.
"There are some items our subcommittee could plug into their economic strategy," such as increasing funding for weatherization programs to create jobs.
Sharp also said his panel will be busy overseeing the Department of Energy's implementation of the recently passed Energy Policy Act. He noted Congress handed DOE much of the responsibility of shaping alternative fuels use in vehicles.
Sharp said the public wants the U.S. to regain its world leadership in technology development, and DOE can play a role there, too. For example, he expects the Clinton administration to fund more energy R&D projects, especially long term ones.
Sharp said the Clinton regime "unquestionably will be a 'greener administration' than the current one," but that might not be all bad for industry.
He explained Clinton is sensitive to the environment vs. energy production vs. jobs conflict and will be more open to regulatory experiments that might allow industry and environmentalists to work out their differences.
Overall, Sharp said, "We have a whale of a year ahead of us. I'm extremely excited by the prospects."
Copyright 1992 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
