ENERGY

Bentsen Bill Would Spur Drilling: Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.) is expected to propose a tax law change designed to spur domestic oil and gas drilling, a move that comes on the heels of a report showing the number of rigs in operation at a new low. Tool maker Baker Hughes Inc. last week reported that 596 domestic rigs were at work looking for oil and gas. A year ago, the count stood at 871; the tally peaked at 4,500 in December, 1981. Bentsen, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, wants to change alternative minimum tax provisions in a bill that will accompany energy legislation that senators have already approved. His proposal mirrors a move by the House, which recently granted a five-year break from alternative minimum tax provisions that are considered a disincentive to oil and gas producers. Bentsen will propose a permanent change.