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