Energy & Transportation Update
An Information Service of the AFI Energy and Transportation Committee
May 30, 2002
Volume III, Number 9
Senate Passes Energy Bill; Conferees to Be Selected
Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) says he expects "a lively and spirited conference" when conferees begin to work out the differences between the House and Senate energy bill H.R. 4 and S. 517. The House bill contains an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) oil drilling provision, new targets for reducing domestic gasoline consumption and a $33 billion package of tax credits and preferences. S. 517 features a watered-down, state-friendly electricity industry restructuring provision, a mandatory increase in ethanol use coupled with an MTBE ban, an Alaska natural gas pipeline construction provision, a pipeline safety provision, a doubling of annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program authorized funding and a $15 billion tax credit package with an emphasis on renewables and alternative energy sources. The volume of issues alone in each bill presents a challenging agenda.
House Passes Highway Funding Restoration Bill
On May 14, 2002, the House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 3694, the "Highway Funding Restoration Act" by a vote of 410 to 5. The legislation proposes to set the federal highway obligation limitation for FY2003 at $27.7 billion - the amount guaranteed in TEA-21. The measure also ensures that the restored funds will be spent according to the formula established by TEA-21. Stakeholders look on to the Senate where the companion bill S. 1917, with 74 cosponsors, expects a vote in early June.
Rail Compromise Bill Clears First Hurdle
On May 8, 2002, the House Railroads Subcommittee approved the Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century (H.R. 2950) that would authorize $59 billion for high-speed, commuter and freight rail improvements. The subcommittee worked for several weeks finding a compromise. The legislation - a compromise between H.R. 2950 and H.R. 2329 - would authorize states or interstate compacts to issue $12 billion in federally tax-exempt bonds and $12 billion in federal tax-credit bonds for infrastructure improvements for high-speed passenger railroad infrastructure. The legislation would also authorize Amtrak $1.9 billion for FY2003, delaying the deliberation of how to fix Amtrak and passenger rail service until next year. The legislation would hold Amtrak accountable by requiring Amtrak to submit reports to the U.S. Department of Transportation inspector general and House and Senate transportation committees outlining capital projects, timetables and cost estimates. The measure must win approval by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Ways and Means Committee before it can be moved to the floor.
Yucca Mountain in Final Stage of Approval Process
On May 8, 2002, the House approved H. J. Res. 87 by a vote of 306 to 117, a resolution to authorize the federal government to develop the Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste storage facility. The House approval of H. J. Res. 87 takes the first step in overriding Nevada Governor Guinn's (R) veto of the administration's approval of the project. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works plans to consider a similar resolution (S. J. Res. 34) on June 5, 2002. If the committee approves the resolution, a full Senate vote is expected to take place in July. If the Senate passes S. J. Res. 34, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin work on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's license application, which will evaluate DOE's plan to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The DOE hopes to apply for the license by 2004 and begin shipping nuclear waste to Yucca by 2010. Critics say it is doubtful the DOE will meet either deadline.
NCSL Staff:
Eileen Doherty
Committee Director
AFI Energy and Transportation Committee
(202)624-8687
Laurie Holmes
Committee Assistant
AFI Energy and Transportation Committee
(202)624-8695
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