Gas prices could be the big issue for the 2006 election, and Congress doesn't appear to be taking the issue very seriously. We haven't built a new refinery in nearly 30 years because of crippling environmental regulations, and Hurricane Katrinarita nearly destroyed what refining capacity we do have. In voting on whether or not to make it easier to expand U.S. refining, the House barely (just barely) voted in favor of "Big Oil". The bill seems certain to fail in the inept Senate.

The House narrowly approved a Republican-crafted energy bill Friday aimed at encouraging construction of new refineries, although opponents said it would do nothing to ease energy prices while handing unneeded benefits to a [evil] profit-rich oil industry.

Then what would ease energy prices? If you say conservation, prepare to be kicked in the nuts.

Supporters of the measure said that hurricanes Katrina and Rita made clear that the country needs more refineries, including new ones outside of the Gulf region. Critics argued it would allow the oil industry to avoid environmental regulations that would lead to dirtier air.

The bill passed 212-210. The Republican leadership allowed the voting on the House floor to continue for over 30 minutes, well past the usual five minutes allowed for such votes.

That means the bill probably doesn't stand a chance in the week kneed Senate. This should illustrate the real problem:

In 1981, the United States had 325 refineries capable of producing 18.6 million barrels a day. Today there are fewer than half that number, producing 16.9 million barrels daily. Still refining capacity has been increasing, though not dramatically, for the last decade. Imports have made up the difference as demand has continued to increase.

Refining capacity is lower than 1981 levels, yet it's said to be increasing. Foreign imports have made up the difference in consumer demand. But with volatility in the Middle East and demand in China and India skyrocketing, the cost of imports is not coming down any time soon.

The vote to expand U.S. refining capacity almost failed, but for two GOP lawmakers who switched their vote at the last minute. No Democrats voted for the measure.