Democratic lawmakers are tying clean energy proposals to household costs as they prepare to lead both chambers. President Donald Trump retains the veto.
Democratic lawmakers are preparing to put clean energy and household electricity costs on the congressional agenda after winning control of the House and Senate in last week’s US midterm elections. The change in control takes effect when the new Congress convenes in January, giving Democrats the power to set committee agendas and decide which proposals reach the floor.
Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, who is expected to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, told the Associated Press that affordability and clean energy should be among the committee’s priorities. Democrats could use hearings to examine the administration’s rollback of climate rules and withdrawal of green energy grants.
The veto shapes what can pass
President Donald Trump has signalled that he intends to use his veto. Congress needs a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override one, which gives the White House substantial leverage over energy legislation even after the change in control. The new majorities give Democrats more room to investigate administration decisions and put members of both parties on the record.
Illinois Representative Sean Casten told the AP that Republican support would determine whether the more ambitious proposals could advance. Some measures could set out the party’s position for the next presidential election even if they go no further in this Congress.
Permitting offers an early test
The current Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote Monday on a permitting proposal aimed at speeding up large energy projects, according to the AP. The debate illustrates a potential area for compromise. Lawmakers can agree on the cost of delays while disagreeing about which projects to prioritise and how environmental reviews should work.
The distinction will matter once committee chairs begin choosing which proposals to pursue. A permitting bill can draw support from lawmakers with different energy priorities. Restoring incentives or grants would require a separate agreement over spending, eligibility and the administration’s role.
Sources
Associated Press — Democrats’ energy plans and the permitting debate
Associated Press — how it called control of Congress in the midterms
US Senate — dates of congressional sessions
Cornell Legal Information Institute — US Constitution, Article I
