Obama October energy surprise before Nov election

The Obama administration could announce several energy initiatives this month to try to influence the mid-term congressional elections on Nov. 2. An October surprise on energy policy could help Democrats keep congressional seats, especially in the House of Representatives, where Republicans have a chance of taking majority control. It would also show voters that the administration is taking some action on
energy issues after Congress failed to pass a comprehensive climate change bill this year. The following energy initiatives could be viewed as positive to local voters, with the White House hoping it would tip the vote toward Democratic candidates in close races. ENDING OFFSHORE DRILLING MORATORIUM EARLY: LIKELY U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar could announce he's lifting the ban early on offshore deepwater drilling that is set to expire Nov. 30. In place since shortly after BP's massive oil spill, lifting the ban would bring hope to thousands of idled rig workers and to the thousands of onshore workers who support offshore drilling. This would help Gulf Coast Democrats although the administration would still be vulnerable to criticism that it dragged its feet on lifting the drilling ban that hurt local economies almost as much as the spill. HIGHER ETHANOL BLENDED GASOLINE: LIKELY The Environmental Protection Agency could boost the amount of ethanol allowed in gasoline to 15 percent from 10 percent. Having higher ethanol-blended gasoline, known at E15, would appeal to corn growers because most U.S. ethanol is made from corn, which would provide a boost to Midwest Democrats in the nation's cornbelt...more

Two more examples of why you shouldn't federalize energy policy. The minute you federalize it, you politicize it.