Congress' mammoth farm bill restores the imposition of an extra fee on home heating oil, hitting consumers in cold-weather states just as utility costs are spiking.
The fee — two-tenths of a cent on every gallon sold — was tacked on to the end of the 959-page bill, which is winding its way through Capitol Hill. The fee would last for nearly 20 years and would siphon the money to develop equipment that is cheaper, more efficient and safer, and to encourage consumers to update their equipment.
It’s just one of dozens of provisions tucked into the farm bill, which cleared the House on a bipartisan 251-166 vote last week and faces a key filibuster test in the Senate on Monday. It is expected to survive and face final passage Tuesday before heading to President Obama’s desk.Filibuster?
But I don't get it -- partisan vote in the House, but it's expected to pass in the Senate, controlled by the opposition.
All political theater. And in the end, increased heating bills for those living in New England.
But let's get real.
Two-tenths of a cent for every gallon sold. Assume 750 gallons/calendar year x one cent = 750 cents, and then one-fifth of that, or 150 cents = $1.50/year. And that warrants a headline, and a post on this blog?
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