Subject: Republican Energy Bill: The latest energy bill drafted by congressional leaders proves once again that we have the best legislators that lobbyists can buy. In an effort to assure that oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries line their pockets with billions in tax breaks, our elected officials have proven unequivocally that money talks and everything else walks. Since 1999, this country has added 200,000 megawatts of new electric generating capacity, boosting totals by 24%. The boom in power plant construction peaked after industry deregulation and just before demand flattened due to weakening economic conditions. With this bill, Congress would lay the burden of poor industry management at the feet of the American taxpayer. Furthermore, the Aug. 14 blackout seems related to problems in how the electric transmission systems are managed. This bill would have the public believe that it was caused by a lack of generating capacity. Finally, this bill is woefully inadequate in dealing with conservation. There are no revisions in the automobile fuel-efficiency standards, which would not only reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil but cut the greenhouse gas emissions as well. However, conservation will never contribute to a legislator's reelection war chest. MC