Dingell sets proper long-term priorities

Detroit Free Press, August 13, 2007

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U.S. Rep. John Dingell appears determined, and wisely so, to have Congress adopt a broad national energy policy, rather than just order the auto industry to build higher-mileage vehicles and call that a plan. As the venerable chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where such legislation must go, Dingell has in recent weeks talked up higher gas taxes in the context of a "carbon tax" and suggested that the tax deduction for mortgage interest be eliminated on large homes that require more heating and cooling. Now that would be hitting some people where they live.

Much of what Dingell intends to throw out there in a bill being readied for introduction Sept. 1 is not going to stick. But the Dearborn Democrat, dean of the House and, at 81, still a canny legislator who knows how to work the levers of power, is forcing a broader debate than the Senate had in enacting its energy bill, one dominated by how many miles Detroit automakers would be asked to wring from every gallon of gasoline.

Yes, Dingell is the auto industry's premier defender in Washington, but he also has an estimable record on environmental issues and recognizes the larger ones that must be addressed: conservation, consumption and the atmospheric effects of burning carbon-based fuels. And Dingell is realistic enough to know that the only sure way to reduce consumption is to increase costs.

Ideally, any such taxes would be dedicated to reducing America's dependence on oil, and not just foreign oil, by rewarding conservation and offering incentives for the development of alternative energy sources. As the world's most voracious consumer of energy in all forms, the United States ought to be the global leader as well on solving the problems generated by energy use.

Dingell has acknowledged he is "going to catch hell" for some of what he is proposing. And he calls the job of pushing Congress toward a sensible, long-term energy policy "the most difficult undertaking of my career." When you have served since 1955, that is saying a lot.

But if Dingell can bring America to grips with global warming, it also may be his most significant achievement. That, too, is saying a lot.