On the Horizon
‘Discussion Draft' of Energy Legislation Released in U.S. House
Chairmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Edward Markey (D-MA) of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee released a ‘discussion draft' of clean energy legislation they describe as a "comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that charts a new course towards a clean energy future." The Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to complete consideration of the legislation, dubbed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, by Memorial Day, with subcommittee hearings scheduled for the week of April 20, subcommittee markup the following week and full committee action starting the week of May 11. Here are links to the summary and full text of the bill.
The legislation, released March 31, has four titles addressing renewables, carbon capture and sequestration, clean fuels and smart grids; energy efficiencies; carbon emissions limits and offsets; and business energy rebates, green jobs and consumer assistance. Much in the bill is open to negotiations.
The bill proposes a slightly more aggressive timeline for cutting greenhouse gases than that announced by President Obama in his budget bill. The League of Conservation Voters referred to the discussion draft as a critical step toward passing a comprehensive clean energy bill in 2009, saying it looked forward to working with Chairmen Waxman and Markey and leaders from both chambers of Congress and the President to enact a strong, science-based bill into law. Other national conservation organizations, including Sierra Club, NRDC, World Wildlife Fund, and The Wilderness Society, applauded the discussion draft, calling it a strong start, a major first step and a ‘new vision for America's clean energy future.' Greenpeace referred to the bill as a good first step and called for it to be strengthened, noting the bill's shortcomings in the areas of pollution offsets, coal industry handouts, and uncertain use of auction revenues.
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Congress Engaging in Negotiations on Clean Energy Provisions in Obama Budget
The Hill: Budget battle moves to House, Senate floors March 30, 2009
"Democrats in both the House and the Senate this week hope to win passage for budget resolutions that will serve as the first step in enacting the ambitious agenda of President Obama... The resolution that emerges from the two chambers and a conference will serve as the legislative outline for the rest of the year. A successful budget resolution is important because it helps guide how lawmakers address the president's and congressional leaders' top goals of healthcare reform, energy independence, education and deficit reduction, said Jim Horney, a former Senate Democratic budget aide. Though the plans moving through Congress call for slightly less spending than the plan first put forth by the White House last month, all of the Democrats' proposals are similar...The budget plans propose another reserve fund for the development of new energy sources and other programs to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and to stem global warming..."
National Groups Call for Support for Clean Energy in the Budget Bill
Fifteen national groups, including LCV, Climate Solutions, National Audubon Society, NRDC, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society, sent a letter to Senators on March 31 urge them to pass the Senate Budget Resolution and oppose amendments that undermine the urgent need to invest in a clean energy future, grow green jobs, and address global warming. More amendments - and more sign-on letters about the amendments - are likely.
Montana Clean Energy Budget Priorities
Community leaders from across Montana outlined the local impact of President Obama's proposed 2010 budget in a press teleconference March 24, urging Rep. Dennis Rehberg to support a plan that will renew and reinvest in America by reforming health care, energy, and education. Kevin Depuy, owner of Depuy Building, a small Missoula-based construction firm specializing in retro-fitting for energy efficiency and a member of the Sustainable Business Council of Montana, supported the provisions in the budget that would provide for clean energy investments.
Sen. Baucus' Committee Assigned Two Energy-related Bills
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on which Sen. Baucus sits, has been assigned two energy-related bills. No hearing dates have been set.
- S. 724, introduced by Sen. John Barasso (R-WY), to amend the Endangered Species Act to temporarily prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from considering global climate change as a natural or manmade factor in determining whether a species is a threatened or endangered.
- S. 575, introduced by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE), to require States and metropolitan planning organizations to develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
National Wildlife Federation: 5 Facts on Big Oil's Campaign Against a Clean Energy Recovery
The National Wildlife Federation is countering the attack by Big Oil on President Obama's request for Congress to deliver comprehensive energy legislation that invests in clean energy, creates millions of green jobs, cuts dependence on dirty fossil fuels, and holds energy companies accountable for reducing global warming pollution. Here are five things you should know about Big Oil's campaign, according to NWF.
