From
TheOrator Network the new US congress has already been rather active in proposing new energy-related legislation. And that's not including the big
Energy Bill that has come before congress in various forms several times since 2001, and is expected to be reintroduced again in some form this year. Brief information on the various bills already before congress follow.
Some of these are purely partisan statements that will likely go nowhere. Others have a chance; which will actually prove useful? The best from its text appears to be H.R. 737, the "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2005".
- H.R. 388 - "Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2005", create a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve, and to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and guarantee loans for the production, distribution, development, and storage of biofuels - Rep. Kaptur (Ohio) and 10 co-sponsors, with House Agriculture Committee.
- S. 150 - "Clean Power Act of 2005", amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions from electric powerplants - Sen. Jeffords (VT) and 17 senate co-sponsors. Referred to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- S. 33 - "ENRON act", to prohibit energy market manipulation - small amendment to the Federal Power Act. Introduced by Sen. Cantwell (WA) with 6 co-sponsors. Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- H.R. 612 - "Energy Basic and Applied Sciences Act of 2005", Federal energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities - Rep. Biggert (IL) and 1 co-sponsor. Referred to House Science Committee, Subcommittee on Energy.
- H.R. 424 - "Energy Efficiency Investment Act of 2005", income tax credit for energy efficiency improvements in property - Rep. Terry (NE) and 2 co-sponsors. Referred to House Ways and Means Committee
- H.R. 610 - "Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005" - Rep. Biggert (IL) and 1 co-sponsor. Referred to several House committees for review
- H.R. 174 - "Geothermal Energy Initiative Act of 2005" - Rep. Millender-McDonald (CA). Referred to House Committee on Resources, and Committee on Agriculture.
- H.R. 359 - "Liquefied Natural Gas Act of 2005", terms and conditions for the siting, construction, expansion, and operation of liquefied natural gas import terminals - Rep. Terry (NE) and 7 co-sponsors. Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- H.R. 454 - "Natural Gas Production Act of 2005", tax credit for deep on-shore gas wells - Rep. Cole (OK) and 30 co-sponsors. Referred to House Ways and Means Committee
- H.R. 737 - "Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2005", establish an energy program for the United States that unlocks the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency - Rep. Woolsey (CA) and 3 co-sponsors. Referred to House Science Committee, Subcommittee on Energy.
- H.R. 622 and S. 326 - "Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform Act", to stabilize the renewable energy tax incentive program - Rep. Bono(CA) and 1 co-sponsor; Sen. Smith (OR) and 3 co-sponsors. Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- H.R. 526 - "21st Century Science for Nuclear Waste Disposal Act", to redirect Nuclear Waste Fund from Yucca Mountain funding to onsite storage technology development - Rep. Berkley (NV) and 2 co-sponsors. Referred to House Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, Committees.
The following more minor or limited applicability bills have also been proposed:
- H.R. 140 - To promote the use of anaerobic digesters by agricultural producers and rural small businesses to produce renewable energy and improve environmental quality - Rep. McHugh (NY).
- S. 244 - to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Wyoming - Sen. Thomas (WY)
- S. 176 - to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska. - Sen. Murkowski (AK)
- H.R. 381 - clarify congressional approval of certain State energy production tax practices. - Rep. Gillmor (OH)
- H.R. 681 and S. 53 - amend the Mineral Leasing Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue separately, for the same area, a lease for tar sand and a lease for oil and gas - Rep. Cannon (UT), Sen. Hatch (UT).
- S. 35 - extend the wind energy production tax credit to 2011 - Sen. Conrad (ND).