Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
january 2016

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congress

House Science Committee marks up civilian nuclear energy bill

January 12, 2016

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has voted to approve the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (H.R. 4084), legislation aimed at increasing nuclear research within the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill would authorize DOE national laboratories to collaborate with the private sector to create nuclear prototypes and increase funding for DOE nuclear programs.

Sponsored by Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), and Representative Randy Weber (R-TX), the bipartisan bill will now move on to the House floor for consideration. Proponents of the bill claim that increasing nuclear research will allow the U.S. to maintain nuclear technology leadership and address threats of climate change.

Sources: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, E&E News

Updated 2/8/2016

The Energy Policy Modernization Act heads to the Senate floor

January 29, 2016

Last week the Senate began debate on the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, the first major package of energy legislation considered in Congress since 2005. Introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the bill has received bipartisan support, passing out of committee with an 18-4 vote in September. 

The Energy Policy Modernization Act focuses on updating energy infrastructure and improving energy efficiency by requiring upgrades to the electrical grid and providing subsides for hydro- and geothermal power. The bill also attempts to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund that expired in September and to expedite liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Other provisions in the bill include Subtitle D, which provides for a stable and sustainable supply of critical minerals, and a section reauthorizing the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program.

The Senate expects to hold a full vote on the bill the first week in February. 

Sources: E&E News, Govtrack.us, Congress.gov

Updated 2/8/2016