U.S. House Announces It Will Vote On ‘Skinny’ Clean Energy Bill This Week
U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced the House will vote on the “Clean Economy and Jobs Innovation Act” (H.R. 4447) next week.
The bill’s introduction comes in response to the significant progress the Senate has made on its own energy bill known as the “The American Energy Innovation Act.”
Environmental groups are not too enthusiastic with the bill given that it does not set any specific carbon reduction targets.
Both bills contain provisions that would improve electric reliability and energy efficiency; promote the development of hydropower, geothermal, weatherize homes, and methane hydrates; enhance cyber security efforts; bolster mineral security; and repeals a range of obsolete authorities currently within the U.S. Code.
However, there are provisions in H.R. 4447 that would expand the use of EVs and would create an (EV) supply equipment rebate program that the Senate bill does not include.
H.R. 4447 will likely pass the House next week, setting up the possibility that a “skinny” energy bill can reach the finish line before Congress adjourns this year.
