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	Sunday, August 25, 2002 The oil and gas industry means jobs for West Texans By Rob Beckham Special to the Reporter-News I am proud to be a Texan. We have a heritage that brands our values deep in our hearts. We are the state of the Alamo, longhorn cattle drives, and Spindletop. Our history demands leadership and President Bush has answered the call. Today, we are facing many difficult challenges in the United States. One of the most difficult is our increasing dependence on foreign oil. President Bush has put forth a comprehensive energy plan that I believe moves this country in the right direction. Many people in Washington, D.C., like to demagogue the domestic oil industry for price gouging. However, the true manipulator of oil prices is the Organization of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC) in conjunction with our unwitting federal government. OPEC consists of 11 national governments that produce 40 percent of the world’s oil supply and controls 77 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves. OPEC’s monopolistic powers have been enhanced by strict government regulations on domestic energy exploration and energy production. The Clinton administration exacerbated the problem by increasing oil regulations on oil refining and placing stronger restrictions on drilling for new oil. Taxes are also a heavy burden on the industry. In Texas, producers must pay a severance tax of 4.6 percent per barrel of oil and 7.5 percent per million cubic feet of gas. After eight years of the Clinton Administration and no energy policy, the vision of President George W. Bush is a refreshing change for the better. The Republican-led House undertook the call of President Bush’s vision and passed the Securing America’s Future Energy Act of 2001. With little help from Democrats, this legislation passed the House 240 – 189 (Vote 320, 8/2/01.) Although the energy plan is still stalled in the Senate, the House version includes the following: · $33.5 billion in tax credits over ten years to encourage energy production and conservation; · Credits for oil and gas production from marginal wells; · Funding for the Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2001; · Requirements for improved fuel-efficiency standards for SUVs and light trucks; · Funding research for nuclear energy, clean coal, and oil and gas; · Allows oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); · Grants to low-income homes in order to improve energy efficiency. Of critical importance to the 17th district, this legislation provides for tax credits for marginal wells, the expensing of geological, geophysical and delay rental costs and provisions that help ease the damage caused to producers by the alternative minimum tax. I support this version of the bill as a step in the right direction in strengthening our national security and petroleum industry. Rob Beckham (R) is a former Abilene City Councilman and is currently running for United States Congress, 17th District against Rep. Charles Stenholm. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: Crossing borders: Maximizing energy opportunities by Debra Guerra-Vasquez. The recent trade mission to Mexico has caused interest in Texas energy circles. Desk & Derrick Club professional, not social group by Kathy Edwards. Celebrating 50 years in Abilene, this organization supports the energy industry through education. Petrochemicals and how I use them by Nicollette Moore, Desk & Derrick Club of Abilene’s 2002 essay contest winner. Senate bill balancing act for regulators by Kathi Stapp. A closer look at what Senate Bill 310 means to Texas independent producers. Bill Stevens gives an update on the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers meets Tuesday and Wednesday at Abilene Civic Center, 601 Pine. Their agenda will keep you current on their major issues. RRC Chairman Michael Williams explains the propane projects the Texas Railroad Commission is developing. RRC Commissioner Charles Matthews writes about Texas’ abundant natural resources. The national energy bill is still in committee. Charles Stenholm gives his perspective on the proceedings. RRC Commissioner Tony Garza writes about finding a balance between utilizing our resources and protecting them. 17th District Congressional candidate Rob Beckham offers his view on the national energy bill. Energy bill possible production catalyst by Kathi Stapp. Energy reserves are in good shape, and production may get a hefty boost with the passing of the Comprehensive Energy Bill. Copyright © 1995- , E.W. Scripps Publications, All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement. We also have a Privacy Policy.

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