WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) issued the following statement after Senate passage of S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act:
“I congratulate Senator Murkowski on today’s bipartisan Senate vote. With today’s milestone, we are one step closer to embracing policies that say yes to energy," said Upton. “We’ve made significant progress toward modernizing and protecting our energy infrastructure, promoting innovation and energy efficiency while strengthening U.S. energy security and jobs. But more work needs to be done. Our newfound energy abundance has completely flipped the script, and it’s time our energy laws caught up to the 21st century. I look forward to conferencing with our counterparts in the Senate as we work to advance H.R. 8 into law and keep energy prices affordable for all Americans."
In December, the House of Representatives passed the committee’s comprehensive energy bill, H.R. 8 the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act 249-174. H.R. 8 seeks to equip our energy laws for the 21st century, maximize America’s energy potential and modernize our outdated energy policies rooted in the 1970s scarcity mindset. S. 2012 contains several provisions that were included in H.R. 8.
Additionally, the following standalone provisions have passed the House and are included in the Senate bill:
* H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act, sponsored by committee member Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), would;
** Expedite the approval process for liquefied natural gas exports.
* H.R. 1268, Energy Efficient Government Technology Act, sponsored by committee member Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), would;
** Require efficient and energy saving technologies in federal data centers, saving the taxpayers and federal government money while improving energy efficiency.
* H.R. 2080, a bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Clark Canyon Dam, would;
** Extend the license of the Clark Canyon Dam, creating jobs and providing affordable and reliable electricity to the community.
* H.R. 2081, a bill to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam, would;
** Extend the license of the Gibson Dam, creating jobs and providing affordable and reliable electricity to the community.
* H.R. 4444, the EPS Improvement Act, sponsored by committee member Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), would;
** Exempt certain lighting and ceiling fan technology from onerous Department of Energy regulations.
* H.R. 4583, to promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce, sponsored by committee member Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), would;
** Redirect the federal government’s energy job training programs to include more women and minorities that have been historically underrepresented in the energy sector.
