Congressional Update: U.S. House Sends $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill To Biden’s Desk
Late on November 5, the U.S. House voted to approve the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, sending it to President Biden for his approval.
Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation voted along party lines on the legislation– Republicans opposing, except for Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick who voted in favor of the bill.
Among other provisions, the bill includes–
— $7.5 billion to build out a national network of EV chargers– Pennsylvania is expected to receive $171 million;
— $7.5 billion for zero and low-emission buses and ferries;
— $110 billion for roads, brides, major projects;
— $73 billion for upgrading electric power infrastructure;
— $55 billion for clean drinking water; and
— $21 billion for cleaning up abandoned mines and plugging orphan oil and gas wells.
Click Here for a summary of other provisions.
Build Back Better Plan Vote Delayed
Congressional House Democrats postponed a vote on President Biden’s $1.85 trillion Build Back Better budget proposal addressing health, family and programs to deal with climate change and promote renewable energy until later this month. [Read more here.]
Truck Drivers
In other news, Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and 85 other bipartisan members sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg urging the Department to allow truck drivers 18 and older to become licensed to drive across state lines.
The letter cites the current supply chain challenges.
Ethanol Blends
In addition, a bipartisan group of seven Midwest governors urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide guidance on potentially allowing the year-round sale of 15 percent ethanol blends (e15) in gasoline, noting the recent court decision that vacated portions of the current rule.
EV Credit
Meanwhile, 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.
