Dive Brief:
- Two Senators have dropped their holds on broad energy legislation that had been delayed, meaning full debate on a slate of amendments is likely to begin next week, according to several media outlets.
- Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) dropped her hold related to an aid package to assist with the water crisis in Flint, Mich., but slammed Sen. Mike Lee (Utah-D) for continuing his hold on the Flint aid package.
- And Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D) withdrew his hold on the energy bill after an amendment he believed would expand offshore drilling, potentially to his home state, was pulled from discussion.
- The Energy Policy Modernization Act (S 2012), would address grid modernization and reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It is sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
Dive Insight:
Long-delayed energy legislation could get debate and a vote next week after holds were pulled from the bill this week. Stabenow dropped her objections, despite being critical of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and his refusal to allow an aid package for Flint.
Nelson dropped his objections over a measure to expand offshore drilling revenue sharing. While supporters of the measure said it did nothing to expand actual drilling, Nelson maintained his hold over fears it could mean rigs offshore Florida.
E&E Daily has the full list of amendments to be considered next week, including a measure on public land conveyances; allowing energy efficiency to factor into home values; and reporting requirements for transmission projects.
Murkowski, the bill's champion, has indicated she doesn't believe it would take Senators long to vote on the bill. “We can kick it out in less than a day. That was my promise to the Leader," she said, according to Bloomberg.
