Democrats to repeal oil and gas royalty incentives

Thursday, January 4, 2007  

As part of an energy package, Democrats plan to introduce a bill to repeal oil and gas incentives that cost American taxpayers billions of dollars.

The incentives were given to oil and gas companies, who have repeated record profits from drilling on public lands. Repealing them will bring in $9 billion to $11 billion, according to Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Maryland).

The Interior Department is under scrutiny for giving breaks to the energy industry. At least one officials is being investigated for ties to oil and gas companies, The New York Times reported.

Get the Story:
Democrats Hope to Take From Oil, Give To Green Energy (The Washington Post 1/4)
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Inspector General Report:
Minerals Management Service's Compliance Review Process (December 2006)

GAO Letter:
Suggested Areas for Oversight for the 110th Congress (November 17, 2006)

Inspector General Testimony:
Devaney Interior Department: A Culture of Managerial Irresponsibility and Lack of Accountability? (September 2006)

Inspector General Report:
Allegations Concerning Senior Officials of the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Government Accountability Office:
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov

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