House Democrats unveil energy policy priorities as Senate talks resume

House Democrats are putting their energy policy priorities forward in a new bill that’s being co-sponsored by more than half of their caucus.

The measure, led by Democratic Reps. Sean Casten (Ill.) and Mike Levin (Calif.) would restore climate-friendly energy tax credits repealed by Republicans and prevent the Trump administration from imposing burdens on renewables.

Casten told The Hill that the legislation seeks to put Democrats “in a position where we are not only saying to the American people that we don’t like Trump’s energy policies, we’re not only saying to the American people, ‘They cause the price of energy to go up,’ but we’re saying, ‘and here is how you fix it. Put us in power.’”

“We can make the case for why this is good policy and good politics,” he added. 

The legislation would also require the Energy Department to determine that gas exports would not raise domestic energy costs or exacerbate climate change before they can approve new terminals, give the federal government sole jurisdiction for approving major interstate power lines — seen as key to getting more power, including renewables — onto the grid, and restrict the administration’s use of “energy emergencies” to extend the life of fossil fuel plants.

It would also put $2.1 billion toward electric grid enhancements, create tax credits for new power lines and seek to prevent the prioritization of fossil fuels over renewables in connecting to the grid. 

It’s unlikely that the House Democratic bill will pass in its entirety, but it’s possible that some of the ideas could make it into a compromise measure – or that they could be picked up if Democrats regain control of the House, Senate and presidency.

The bill, backed by a total of 117 lawmakers House Democrats, comes as Senate Democrats agree to restart energy policy talks with Republicans.

For years, many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have sought to speed up the timeline for approving energy and other infrastructure projects. Compromise legislation has been reached in the past, but has failed to make it across the finish line. 

Senate Democrats paused talks in December in the wake of the Trump administration’s attacks on renewable power, but restarted them earlier this month amid “recent developments” that they hope “are indicative of a positive direction from the Trump administration.”

However, Casten said he believes that when compared to last congress, when it comes to the prospects of reaching a deal “in many ways, we’re in a worse place because you have a White House that’s committed to raising the price of energy.”