02-16-2002
ENERGY: Energy Package to Hit the Senate Floor
After months of pressure by Republicans, Senate Democrats planned to bring
a far-reaching and highly controversial energy policy package to the floor
by February 15. Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, D-S.D., had made
a commitment last year to begin debate on the energy bill before the
Presidents' Day recess, which takes place the week of February 18. Senate
Democrats and Republicans generally back competing versions of the
legislation, and many issues will be resolved on party-line votes. But
several interesting regional battles are expected as well. For example,
Democrats from industrial states will team with Republicans to oppose a
large increase in fuel-efficiency standards for cars, light trucks, and
sport-utility vehicles. Farm-state Senators will fight those from oil and
gas states over a measure to require a portion of gasoline to include
ethanol. Northeastern Republicans plan to join most Democrats in fighting
a provision to allow oil and gas drilling on a strip of Alaska's Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge. Other key parts of the bill would require a
portion of all energy consumed to come from renewable sources, provide tax
incentives for energy exploration, and revamp the electricity
marketplace.
Brody Mullins/CongressDaily
National Journal
