Matheson Hopeful on Energy Bill

Matheson Hopeful on Energy Bill

May 22 - Deseret News (Salt Lake City)

Rep. Jim Matheson is optimistic the House will get a new energy policy passed this year, with the Democrats holding to their promise to write a bill by July 4.

The "Energy Independence by Independence Day" mantra may be able to create momentum to push a bill through the House. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Monday that something could get through the Senate, but the two agreed finding common ground may be the hard part.

Matheson sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he is a member of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee that is writing the bill. He also sits on the House Science and Technology Committee that will be handling other portions of a new energy bill.

"It's really happening," said Matheson, D-Utah, after speaking on a Newsweek executive panel on energy policy. He anticipates a bill would be at least through the subcommittee by the end of June.

Matheson said the term energy policy "oversimplifies a very complicated issue."

He said there are many components to it and Congress may need several bills to accomplish all that needs to be done.

He expects the House to produce a bill covering matters on securing the country's energy supply as well as another bill talking about climate change.

The energy supply bill has several provisions on energy efficiency, including efficiency standard for major household appliances such as air conditioners.

Matheson said it is important for Congress not to limit itself for planning energy solutions in the near term but instead look at what the country will need in 30, 40 or even 70 years down the line.

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com