Gridlock

The upcoming mid-term elections appear to be shifting Congressional power away from total Republican dominance. The Democrats may take majority control (albeit slim) of the House and possibly the Senate. Ironically the shift in power may not usher in much change. George Bush will remain in the White House fiddling with his pen awaiting the opportunity to veto or delay any meaningful environmental legislation. Even in the House, a thin Democratic majority may only insure gridlock on green initiatives like tightening automobile emission controls. U.S. Rep. John Dingell could rise to head the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee but change may be hard to come by when Dingell's home district includes Detroit and he is highly unlikely to support tougher vehicle fuel standards. The volume and tenor of the environmental debate may rise but meaningful change and legislation will may not be a byproduct of a Democratic Congress.
g