Energy Bill: Crude Export Ban, KXL Amendments Head To House Floor

"A sweeping package from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, likely to clear the chamber this week, has become the latest vehicle for repeal of the crude export ban and speeding the permitting process for projects like Keystone XL.

House lawmakers today will debate a rule adopted yesterday by the House Rules Committee that sets up parameters for consideration of H.R. 8, a broad bill intended to increase efficiency, speed natural gas exports and modernize the aging electric grid. The committee reported the rule by voice vote to allow 38 amendments, of the 103 submitted to the panel, to reach the floor.

Under a structured rule that will guide the remainder of floor debate, the committee incorporated portions of a crude oil exports bill (H.R. 702) that cleared the House in October. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), who has led efforts to repeal the crude oil exports ban, predicted yesterday that the amendment would draw more bipartisan support in this round. Two months ago, 26 Democrats crossed the aisle to support the measure (Greenwire, Oct. 9)."

Hannah Hess and Hannah Northey report for E&E Daily December 2, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"White House Threatens Veto of House Energy Bill" (The Hill)