WATCHING WASHINGTON CONGRESSIONAL ISSUES

To the legislative mind, not much time remains in this session of Congress.

And, as always, there seems to be lot to be done.

To the oil lobbyist's mind, the time before the Oct. 5 adjournment presents some of the best opportunities the oil industry has had in years.

Lobbyists say from an energy policy perspective, the latest Mideast crisis, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, has brought some chickens home to roost. The oil industry's unheeded warnings are coming true.

IRAQ/KUWAIT

Whatever Congress does on energy this year and next, Iraq/Kuwait will be in the back of its mind.

The crisis has underscored the need for energy planning in this country.

This month congressional committees also may take time to influence the administration's National Energy Strategy, which is being formed. They plan hearings on several issues relating to the crisis, particularly the increases in U.S. oil prices.

The crisis may have strengthened industry's arguments for upstream tax incentives, offshore exploration, and leasing of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain-but not to the point that Congress will react with legislation this month.

But in the next Congress, next January, you can count on Alaska's congressional delegation to press for an ANWR leasing bill, producers-especially independents-to seek drilling incentives, and majors to argue against moratoriums on offshore leasing.

The future is cloudy for priority legislation Congress will consider this month.

Amending the Clean Air Act, for example, is one of those mammoth, multifaceted issues that normally can't be resolved without an adjournment deadline looming.

Both Houses have passed bills to revise and expand the law for the first time in 13 years, but can conferees agree on a compromise bill?

Although the issues are many and complex and many congressmen are involved, most observers are betting for passage.

Perhaps an even more important issue on Capitol Hill this month is the budget negotiation between the administration and key congressmen. They still appear to be far apart on a compromise.

Something that keeps surfacing in Washington newspapers and the city's gossip mill is the clear possibility that an energy tax may be part of the deficit reduction package.

Don't expect Congress to finish its work by the Oct. 5 adjournment target. It's probably safe to add a week.

LAME DUCK SESSION?

Washington observers are speculating whether there will be a lame duck session-whether Congress will be called back to work after the November general elections.

The experience has been that lame duck sessions are largely nonproductive, and they have few advocates on Capitol Hill. Like the adjournment target, it's more of a threat than a possibility.

Still, if conditions worsen in the Mideast or a budget deal fails to be negotiated, the possibility of a special session exists.