Congress Dec. 14 cast off the part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that offered tax credits to consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances.    
    The provision, which expires Dec. 31, 2007, allowed up to $300 credit on personal income tax with the purchase of a high efficiency gas water heater with an energy factor of .80 or better.    
    The Senate instead passed an energy bill that targets the auto industry, focusing on requiring better gas mileage for cars.