Legislative Activity

Senate May Move on Nominees

In addition to taking up the methane flaring measure under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the Senate could potentially vote on the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General, Scott Pruitt, to serve as EPA Administrator. With the Senate calendar being quite full, the Senate might note vote this week on the nominations of Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) for Secretary of Interior and Governor Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy.

Methane Flaring

This week, the Senate could take up and consider H. J. Res. 36, which would rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation under the CRA. The joint resolution was passed by the House on February 3 by a vote of 221-191. The rule, which was finalized under the Obama Administration, was intended to reduce waste of natural gas from venting, flaring, and leaks during oil and natural gas production activities on onshore federal and Indian leases. The resolution is expected to be backed by most if not all Republicans.

This Week’s Hearings:

• On Wednesday, February 15, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Subcommittee on Oversight, will hold a joint hearing titled “Risky Business: The DOE Loan Guarantee Program.”

• On Wednesday, February 15, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing titled “Oversight: Modernization of the Endangered Species Act.”

• On Wednesday, February 15, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy, will hold a hearing titled “Modernizing Energy and Electricity Delivery Systems: Challenges and Opportunities to Promote Infrastructure Improvement and Expansion.”

• On Thursday, February 16, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment, will hold a hearing titled “Modernizing Environmental Laws: Challenges and Opportunities for Expanding Infrastructure and Promoting Development and Manufacturing.”