Kay Bailey Hutchison protects oil interests

Saying it’s bad policy and bad for her state, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has placed a hold on the ambitious energy bill that would encourage alternative sources and boost fuel-efficiency benchmarks, The Dallas Morning News reports.

The bill would repeal tax incentives designed to increase domestic oil production and redirect the money toward other energy sources, including ethanol.
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The News reports that Senators John Cornyn (Texas), Tom Coburn (Oklahoma), Larry Craig (Idaho) and Jim DeMint (South Carolina) also have worked to hold up the bill. All are Republicans.

During the 2006 election cycle, Hutchison was the No. 1 recipient in Congress of contributions from the oil and gas industry, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Cornyn ranked 10th. Texas Rep. Joe Barton was 9th.

Hutchison is widely expected to run for Texas governor in 2010.

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