Oil prices have declined some, bringing down fuel costs, which still are well above what most Americans believe is reasonable. Trying to lessen futures speculation, which many believe has been a key factor in climbing prices, may be extremely difficult.

If the past is any pattern, the debate over the entire issue probably won't bring about any tangible bipartisan results until after the November elections and perhaps not even until the new Congress is elected when Democrats are expected to increase their majority. The Republicans certainly want to be able to blame the majority party for this dilemma, and the Democrats can't afford to give up too much ground at the risk of losing a chunk of their liberal constituency. The cynical view is that Congress acts decisively and responsibly only in a crisis; the rest of the time it finds a way to put off most politically explosive action.

But no one believes that lower prices are here to stay or, for that matter, will continue to decline steadily as they have in the past, muting determination by Americans to change their profligate usage. Then, of course, there are China and India, where demand to fuel enormous industrial and social growth, including millions of new cars, has been responsible for much of the soaring cost of oil.

Pelosi's sudden decision to allow a vote on drilling, if it holds, is a major turnaround considering that her opposition to exploration off the California coast dates from the first day she stepped on the House floor in 1987. She said before the recess that permitting a vote was merely an effort to divert attention from President Bush's failed energy policies, which, she charged, have increased the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Bush's defenders, what few of them remain, note that every time he has called for some bipartisan accommodation, Republicans as well as Democrats have refused.

Why Pelosi's change of heart? Well, when politics dictate. ...

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E-mail Dan K. Thomasson, former editor of the Scripps Howard News Service, at thomassondan@aol.com.