Murkowski’s energy bill set for senate debate
Wednesday January 27, 2016
Far-reaching legislation that could modernize the country's energy sector is set for debate in the U.S. Senate today.
Dubbed the Energy Policy Modernization Act, the bill would do everything from give the federal government authority to order power companies to take tougher security measures against cyber attacks to expand the export of liquefied natural gas.
The legislation was introduced last summer by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington. It passed out of that committee by a vote of  18-4, with one objection, among others, coming from presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont.
Spanning topics as varied as the country's petroleum reserves and wildlife conservation on federal lands, the bill is already drawing attention within Washington over what amendments might be added once it gets to the senate floor.
One potential target, outlined by Murkowski last week, could be President Obama's decision earlier this month to put a temporary moratorium on leasing federal land for coal mines.
The administration is currently reviewing the revenues derived from domestic coal mining, along with public health impacts and other factors.