Will energy spark fireworks in presidential race?

The extent to which energy becomes a significant issue in the presidential race between incumbent George W. Bush and presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry remains to be seen, but it clearly has the potential to create heat--if not light.

The Bush administration's sweeping energy plan, specifically that part which requires enabling legislation, thus far has failed to gain enough bipartisan support to clear Congress. Even a much watered-down version has questionable chances of passing, many observers say. Other provisions, of course, have been put into place administratively.

Given the lack of progress--along with worries about reliability, price, and supply--the need for a comprehensive energy policy might be expected to be a major issue. More likely, however, energy will be eclipsed by domestic economic issues, even though energy has an undeniably consequential impact on those concerns. On the other hand, rising gasoline prices--ever a trigger of consumer discontent--may serve to push energy issues closer to the top of hot-button concerns.

Offering Voters a Choice

Should energy become an urgent issue in the eyes of the electorate, candidates Bush and Kerry appear to be far enough apart to offer voters something of a choice. One news story characterizes that choice as one between a Democrat pushing conservation and a Republican who thinks he can drill his way out. While that characterization may be over simplified, it does define a major philosophy split.

John Kerry proposes an Energy Security and Conservation Trust Fund capitalized by existing oil and gas royalty revenues and dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of technologies--such as the manufacture of more efficient cars and trucks, the development of bio-fuels, and the creation of a hydrogen based energy economy.

Kerry wants to impose stricter mileage requirements on cars and sport utility vehicles from the current 24 miles per gallon to 36 mpg to cut U.S. oil consumption by 2 million barrels of oil a day.