In the news today…
Congress:
- The Associated Press reports that the House is set to approve the GOP’s energy package in a vote today despite a veto threat from President Joe Biden and a guarantee that the slate of bills would be “dead on arrival” in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The Lower Energy Costs Act includes provisions that would boost domestic oil and gas production, expedite permitting for energy projects and repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act.
- E&E Daily reports Sen. Joe Manchin predicted Wednesday that the Biden administration will interpret new restrictions on electric vehicle tax credits in ways that are too permissive and don’t align with the climate change law he wrote last year.
- E&E Daily reports Senate committees intend to hold hearings as soon as next month on permitting for energy projects, leaders of two key committees confirmed Wednesday to E&E News.
WOTUS:
- Politico Pro reports the Senate voted 53-43 to repeal a contentious Biden administration water rule, with four Democrats joining Republicans in voting to overturn the regulation.
- E&E News PM reports the Senate on Wednesday afternoon approved a resolution against the Biden administration’s signature water policy, in a move all but guaranteed to spark the president’s second veto ever.
Coal:
- Argus reports US coal production has increased slightly this year from the same time in 2022 as export volumes have risen, US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates show.
- E&E Daily reports Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito insinuated Wednesday that President Joe Biden spared his home state of Delaware from EPA’s “good neighbor” smog plan.
Minerals:
- E&E Energywire reports the U.S. government needs to take on more capital risk to spur companies to invest in the critical mineral supply chain and counter Chinese dominance in the sector, top Biden administration officials said yesterday.
- E&E Energywire reports the Biden administration is preparing to announce its most pivotal action to date in carrying out the president’s climate law — setting the rules for determining which kinds of electric cars and trucks can qualify for its $7,500 tax credits.