Compiled by Washington correspondent Herman Wang.

WASHINGTON — After taking much heat from Republicans over the past several weeks, Democrats in Congress this week finally agreed to allow the congressional moratorium on offshore oil drilling to expire.

Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., supported the lifting of the moratorium, but he has not been shy about criticizing Republicans for making drilling the centerpiece of the debate over energy policy, instead of a focus on alternative and renewable energy.

“They’ve been saying that if we lift the moratorium, then the price of gasoline would drop,” Rep. Davis said. “Well, let’s see. If that doesn’t happen, the public should question whether they were playing political games or if they were really trying to solve the country’s energy crisis.”

WAMP RIPS GREENS ON OIL DRILLING

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said Democrats lifted the drilling moratorium to give their conservative members political cover as the election approaches.

“Politically, it may water down the issue somewhat, so we (Republicans) can’t drive it as hard that we need new oil and gas supplies,” he said.

Still, he said as long as extremist environmentalists continue to hold up new drilling through the legal system, the lifting of the moratorium will have a limited effect.

“It’s not going to bring any oil to the marketplace anytime soon, if the lawsuits and the government are still in the way,” Rep. Wamp said.

CORKER AMONG HILL’S WEALTHIEST

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., made the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call’s list of the “50 Richest Members of Congress” this year, coming in 15th with a minimum net worth of $19.19 million, according to his 2007 personal finance disclosure.

“To be a member of Congress, you need to either have a lot of money or have access to a lot of money,” said Massie Ritsch, communications director for the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in Washington.

TVA NOMINEES TO REMAIN IN LIMBO

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said Democratic leaders in the Senate have effectively run out the clock on confirming two of President Bush’s nominees to the Tennessee Valley Authority board.

Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has pointedly refused to allow a confirmation vote on nominee Susan Richardson Williams, saying he wants more Democratic representation on the utility’s board. Another nominee, Michael Bemis, has yet to be vetted by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

“I’m disappointed Sen. Reid has been so partisan over it,” Sen. Alexander said. “I’m going to keep trying.”

The new president would be able to nominate board members of his choosing after he takes office in January.

ALEXANDER PUSHES CAP & TRADE PLAN

At a global warming conference in Washington this past week, Sen. Alexander said a comprehensive cap and trade bill is unlikely to pass, and he suggested a “sector by sector” approach.

His proposal would set a cap on greenhouse gas emissions by utilities, create a low carbon fuel standards and refund to taxpayers any money raised through the selling of emissions allowances.

“This is much more likely to pass,” Sen. Alexander said. “It has no surprises, and it costs less.”

A cap and trade program would set emission caps on greenhouse gasses, and companies that emit less than their allotment would be able to sell their credits on the open market. Democrats have been pushing a sweeping cap and trade bill to cover all segments of the economy.

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