Energy Legislation: Comparison of Selected Provisions in H.R. 8 and S. 2012

Summary

Congress most recently enacted major energy legislation in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140). The 114th Congress is currently considering new legislation to address broad energy issues. On September 9, 2015, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported S. 2012, the Energy Policy and Modernization Act; the Senate began consideration on the bill January 27, 2016. On December 3, 2015, the House passed an amended version of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015.

Both bills would address a variety of energy topics, including

Energy efficiency in federal buildings, data centers, manufacturing, and schools;

Water conservation/efficiency;

Electric grid cybersecurity;

H.R. 8 also contains provisions on

Electric grid physical security;

A North American energy security plan;

Repeal of the limitation on exports of U.S.-produced crude oil; and

A study of wholesale electricity markets.

S. 2012 also includes provisions on

Energy workforce development (struck from H.R. 8 on the House floor)

Review of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (struck from H.R. 8 on the House floor)

Energy-efficient appliances;

Liquefied natural gas exports;

Electric grid energy storage;

Renewable energy supply and incentives;

Helium and critical minerals;

Nuclear energy; and

Loan programs.

As part of the FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 114-113), Congress enacted two key energy provisions, removing them from the debate on H.R. 8 and S. 2012.

Repeal of limitation on exports of U.S.-produced crude oil under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; and

Extension of several energy tax incentives, including the production tax credits (PTC) for wind and solar electricity.

Other key energy issues not addressed by the bills (but potentially subject to floor amendments):

Modifications to the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS);

Transport safety (rail, pipeline, etc.) for crude oil and other flammable fuels; and

Nuclear waste storage and disposal.