This vote comes four months after a December 3, 2015, vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on its comprehensive energy legislation, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act.
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If approved by both chambers and signed by Obama, the bill would be first far-reaching energy law in almost a decade.
The Senate bill’s House counterpart (H.R.4441), introduced in early February, also contains many positive elements that reflect a consensus within the aviation community; unfortunately, the bill includes a risky provision for creating a privatized ATC system funded through new user fees and overseen by an airline-dominated board of directors.
Murkowski warned that the two sides will face challenges just making time for the conference. Behind her (left to right) are Senate President Kevin Meyer and Speaker of the House Mike Chenault. “So you look at the calendar going forward, and we’ve got some work to do”. “We also thank the National Alliance of Forest Owners for their strong advocacy work”.
A few major differences stand out.
Murkowski held court on the Senate floor Wednesday morning, monitoring “aye” votes from such diverse characters as Sen. “I commend Sen. Murkowski for her leadership on this broad bipartisan bill”. Bill Nelson of Florida, the ranking Democrat on the Commerce Committee.
These policies are to reflect the carbon neutrality of biomass, recognize biomass as a renewable energy source, encourage private investment throughout the biomass supply chain, encourage forest management to improve forest health, and recognize state initiatives to use biomass. The legislation would put the Department of Energy on a path toward doubling the roughly $5 billion it spends on basic energy research.
The struggling biomass industry could benefit from legislation moving through Congress. He told reporters Wednesday he will keep trying to address those issues in conference. “That’s what’s working in this process”, Cantwell said of Murkowski’s ability to get the bill to a bicameral compromise.
Or as Cantwell said of her Alaska colleague, with whom she has so often disagreed, “She’s a legislator”.
The bill, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America has seen the pipeline permitting provisions as an incremental step. She spoke in favor of the bill’s power to save money and energy, as well as helping the United States become “an energy superpower”.
It would have been a fairer deal if Sen. And that’s what both politicians and the Sierra Club really hate the most.
There are some caveats to the Sierra Club’s complaints.
The Department of Energy would be required to make a decision on LNG projects within 30 days under the House’s plan.
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On Tuesday, the Senate passed S.2658, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016, sending it to the House where it will likely face a contentious hearing.
