Senate leaders are pushing for quick passage of bipartisan energy legislation that would expedite natural gas exports and extend important conservation funding.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Wednesday that the bill, up for debate on the chamber’s floor, is “a good way forward” for the nation’s energy policy.
“Not only will this bipartisan legislation help bring our energy policies in line with the demands of today, it will also position us to benefit from the opportunities of tomorrow,” the GOP leader said. “So let’s work together and pass it.”
“It will help Americans produce more energy,” while helping Americans save more energy and pay less for it.
The bill was shuttled through the energy committee by its chairwoman, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and the committee’s top Democrat, Maria Cantwell of Washington. The bill passed out of committee with an 18-4 vote in the summer.
“As written, the Murkowski-Cantwell energy bill could win bipartisan approval on the Senate floor and can do it right now,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Wednesday.
Murkowski called the bill, the Energy Policy Modernization Act a good and timely bill that “deserves overwhelming support from this chamber.” Debate on the bill began Wednesday morning and will continue through the afternoon.
The bill is the first comprehensive energy legislation to be taken up by the Senate since 2007.
