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New Energy Bill Passed by Senate Largely Ignores Climate

Climate Nexus
Apr. 21, 2016 08:45AM EST Climate

The Senate has passed the first broad energy bill in a decade. The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 is a response to the nation’s changing fortunes in oil and natural gas production. It seeks to help modernize the grid, promote energy efficiency and streamline natural gas exports.

Senate Majority Leader Republican Mitch McConnell. The Senate voted April 20 on an energy modernization bill. Photo credit: EPA / Michael Reynolds

While the bill includes provisions that address renewable energy and land conservation, many environmental groups are calling it an uneven compromise that favors industry and ignores rising calls for a low-carbon future. Among other things, it classifies the burning of emissions-producing biomass carbon-neutral.

For a deeper dive:

News: New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, UtilityDive, Seattle Times, The Hill, Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, Science, AP, ABC News, Greenwire

Commentary: New York Times editorial, APRN, E&E Daily

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