WASHINGTON, DC - A little-known initiative in the energy bill recently passed by Congress has beer drinkers and manufacturers alike in a stir. Along with measures to phase out incandescent bulbs and tax incentives for biking to work, the bill calls for light beers to replace regular beers by 2012. Lawmakers say the measure will save millions of gallons of fuel per year.
"Light beers have more water and fewer ingredients than regular beers, so there is less barley and hops to transport across the country, saving huge amounts of fuel." explained Representative Loretta Suarez, CA, co-sponsor of the legislation. "Additionally, light beer drinkers will weigh less, making their personal cars more fuel efficient as well."
Sources in the Senate say the legislation was added just before the bill was passed, as a compromise to lawmakers seeking mandatory composting regulations. Composters agreed to drop their amendment as long as the beer legislation did not harm third world countries. In return, the standards for calorie and protein content would only apply to domestic brands and beers from countries who have not signed the Kyoto Treaty.
Industry experts say the likelihood of beer production moving overseas may bring the issue to a head in court. "The likelihood of beer production moving overseas may bring the issue to a head in court." said Franklin Kitts, Professor of Potable Economics at Howyflyl University. "Supporters of this bill wouldn't dare switch to existing import brands. The manufacturers may well have the upper hand when legislators are faced with drinking cheap, tasteless knock-off beers from the Caribbean."
|
