Senators John Hoeven (R-NV), Dick Lugar (R-IN), David Vitter (D-LA) were joined by 41 of their colleagues January 30 in introducing legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project and provide for environmental protection and government oversight. The measure would allow TransCanada to move forward with construction of the pipeline, which runs from Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf Coast, while the state of Nebraska works with the State Department to determine an alternative route.
Senators Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Energy Freedom and Economic Prosperity Act (S. 2064) February 2 to repeal all energy specific tax credits and lower the corporate income tax rate. Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) has previously introduced companion legislation (H.R. 3308) in the House.
Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY) introduced legislation (H.R. 3888) the same day to authorize microenterprise assistance for renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Sen. Max Baucus introduced the Highway Investment, Job Creation and Economic Growth Act of 2012 which will reauthorize and replenish the Highway Trust Fund. A markup is scheduled for February 7. The bill is a companion to the Moving Ahead for Progress for the 21st Century Act, and if reported out of the Finance Committee, will become part of the larger transportation bill for senate debate.
