Senate Energy Bill Stalled

The bipartisan energy bill known as “The American Energy Innovation Act” is now in limbo over a controversial amendment sponsored by Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Tom Carper (D-DE) that was intended to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons over 15 years. There was also intense debate over whether to expand the current EV tax credit from 200,000 per manufacturer to 600,000 and extend the credit for fuel cell vehicles through December 31, 2024.

The bill represented a compilation of more than 50 bills advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The legislation, sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Joe Manchin (D-WV), focused on energy innovation by boosting new and developing technologies including ways to make cars and trucks more fuel efficient and manufacturing processes less CO2 heavy. The bill contained provisions that would improve electric reliability and energy efficiency; promote the development of hydropower, geothermal, weatherization of homes, and methane hydrates; enhanced cyber security efforts; bolstered mineral security; and would repeals a range of obsolete authorities currently within the U.S. Code.

The bill could still be revived in the coming weeks or months. The bottom line is that even if the Senate passes an energy bill, the Democrat controlled House would likely amend it with their priorities making final passage nearly impossible to achieve.