Energy Policy Coming to Congress

House of Representatives plans to unveil a comprehensive energy plan as early as this week.

February 09, 2015

WASHINGTON – House Republicans could bring forth comprehensive energy legislation this week, “which would include language that could secure the U.S. electric grid, bolster infrastructure like transmission and gas pipelines, promote energy efficiency and offer programs to prepare workers for jobs in the energy industry,” reports EENews.net.

The news source notes that, so far, the plan has bipartisan support. However, it’s not entirely clear whether the plan will roll out as a series of bills or a more formal “framework” outlining “ideas” from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI).

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) told the news source that she is planning to schedule hearings as soon as March to begin work on a comprehensive energy bill that focuses on infrastructure, supply, efficiency and accountability.

Murkowski said that last month's lengthy debate over Keystone XL pipeline legislation provided “an early indication of areas where senators may be able to find some agreement.” One area, notes the news source, is the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export bill supported by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and soon-to-be-reintroduced efficiency legislation from Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

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