The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a far-reaching energy bill – an atrocious corporate welfare program that provides $23 billion in tax breaks and relaxed regulations for the worst polluters.

Much of this turkey was crafted in secrecy by Vice President Dick Cheney in close consultation with the representatives of the energy industry – the bill’s prime beneficiaries – who also happen to be among the president’s biggest campaign contributors.

The House passed the bill by a vote of 246-180, sending it to the Senate for final approval, probably later this week.

The bill fattens the bank accounts of coal operators and oil and natural gas providers, as well as already over-subsidized Midwestern farmers – at the expense of consumers, the environment and anything close to a sensible energy policy.

The only way America will stop being dependent on foreign oil is to conserve and develop new sources of energy. The offensive giveaway approved Tuesday does neither and it is hoped that a more reasonable Senate will defeat it.