I just got a press release on a new energy initiative called, Project Brief, from an organization called Energy in Depth, a group financed by a coalition of oil and natural gas producers.  The first study put forth by the group bears the catchy title, “Proposed Energy Regulations Could Cost Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Public Revenues.”  The study, which preys on our deepest economic fears, is just a tad reactionary, not quite scientific and built on the sturdy, deeply set foundation of self-interest.

From the press release:  “America’s natural gas and oil producers provide massive untold contributions to the national economy, and play a critical role in ensuring that America’s energy needs are – and will continue to be – met.  Saddling these producers with new, unnecessary, and ineffective environmental regulations could put them out of business, destroy jobs, and increase our U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. That’s especially true if lawmakers in Congress move forward with plans to target hydraulic fracturing, a safe and commonly used production technology that renders possible the efficient extraction of energy resources from shale rock.”

What these oilmen want is more deregulation, the catalyst for all manner of price gouging, environmental disasters, consumer abuse and corporate atrocities.  We need only look to Wall Street to see what consumer benefits are derived from deregulation and greed.  Perhaps the energy industry is getting a little antsy now that they no longer get seated along side oilmen like Dick Cheney and G.W. Bush on our energy policy committees.

As the Obama administration takes on energy special interests, and the oil industry in particular, we can expect more press releases and marketing campaigns reflecting the oil industry’s concern for the economy, their profits and our well being (remember $4 a gallon gas).  Energy in Depth is just the next phase in the fear mongering we can expect as we transition to a more balanced energy policy that incorporates environmental impact and global warming into the energy policy equation.

Now maybe they should look at taking us off their email list…