Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would enhance consumer access to electricity information and allow for the adoption of innovative products and services to help consumers manage their energy usage.

would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf in the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and North Atlantic planning areas.

would eliminate certain subsidies for fossil fuel production.

would clarify that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program.

would expand provisions for the termination of mandatory purchase requirements under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

would require DOI and the Department of Agriculture to provide certain western states assistance in the development of statewide conservation and management plans for the protection and recovery of sage-grouse species.

would promote energy efficiency.

would express the sense of the House regarding the conditions for the United States becoming a signatory to any international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

would express the sense of the House that any comprehensive plan to reform our national energy policy must promote the sustainable use of renewable and alternative energy sources, increase our domestic refining capacity, promote conservation and increased energy efficiency, expand research and development, including domestic onshore and offshore exploration, and enhance consumer education.

would require the EPA Administrator to appoint a coordinator for issues relating to harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes.