Congressional Update: Build Back Better Budget Work Continues; RFS Action
On Friday, November 19, the House passed the Build Back Better Act – President Biden’s $1.75 trillion climate change, healthcare, and education package – by a vote of 220-213. The bill now moves to the Senate, which has an uncertain timetable.
First, the Senate Parliamentarian will take meetings with Republican and Democratic Senators to review whether provisions of the bill comply with complex Senate rules. Once these recommendations are made, portions of the bill may need to be removed.
Second, the Senate may make substantive policy decisions, as Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), along with others, will likely insist on changes to some of the clean energy and tax provisions.
Many on Capitol Hill predict that the Senate process will take weeks or months.
Recently, Sen. Manchin expressed opposition to the current provision that allows consumers to get a higher rebate if they purchase an electric vehicle produced by a unionized workforce.
EMA is working with its state associations including the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association (OMEGA) that would prevent Americans who make over $100,000 a year or who are buying an electric vehicle (EV) that costs more than $40,000 from claiming the EV credit.
Click Here to read the letter.
EMA is also working to limit the electric heat pump rebate program similar to the EV tax credit efforts.
RFS Action
Meanwhile, Midwestern lawmakers introduced a bill this week that would prevent the EPA from retroactively reducing renewable volume obligations under the RFS.
Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced the Defend the Blend Act on Tuesday.
The bill was introduced to counter concerns to a leaked EPA document which showed the agency planned to retroactively reduce the corn ethanol mandate.
NewsClips:
— WSJ: Democrats Tackle Changes To $2 Trillion Spending Plan As Deadlines Loom
— StateImpactPA – Rachel McDevitt: Advocates Hope Federal Infrastructure Money Will Spur People To Buy EVs
— PG: Pittsburgh Transit Prepping 40 New Clean Diesel Buses For Road Service
