2016-10-3: Energy bill conferees tackling tough issues
Energy bill conferees tackling tough issues
Monday, October 3rd 2016
If the House and Senate succeed in getting a comprehensive energy bill over the finish line this year, it will be thanks to some serious assists from the sidelines - and a “no surrender” letter from eight Republican senators. As backroom negotiations continue over competing House and Senate energy bills, the senators sent a letter on Sept. 23 to the leaders of the three Senate and House energy and natural resources committees stating that they consider the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) “a top policy priority in the context of the Energy bill and believe maintaining this provision is crucial to advancing a conference report through the Senate.” Signing the letter were Richard Burr of North Carolina, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Steve Daines of Montana, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rob Portman of Ohio. In their letter, the GOP senators explain that permanent LWCF reauthorization is essential for “ensuring that this highly successful program continues to meet communities' conservation needs while helping to protect and maintain our shared heritage” and is essential for protecting “much-needed access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.” The senators' insistence on permanent reauthorization faces strong opposition from House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, one of the 47 energy bill conferees. Bishop's position is that the LWCF needs reform as supported by the House to shift more control to the states - and not made untouchable through the Senate bill's proposed permanent authorization.