February 9, 2015 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Based on numerous interviews with members of Congress and their staff, state legislators, federal and state government officials, industry insiders, and trade association, advocacy group and corporate representatives, Bloomberg BNA has released its 2015 policy outlook on the environment and energy -- which focuses on some of the most hotly debated issues in Congress.    

"From climate change to Keystone XL to hydraulic fracturing, environment and energy issues are front and center this year -- and White House and EPA priorities in these areas are under assault by a Republican Congress that warns against negative impacts on business," said Larry Pearl, director of the environment, health and safety news division at Bloomberg BNA.  "With President Obama highlighting energy and the environment in the recent State of the Union, these issues will be at the forefront of debate on Capitol Hill."

For example, the EPA is being watched closely as it finalizes landmark climate regulations governing carbon emissions from power plants. EPA will also complete several significant air quality regulations, including a final decision on national ozone standards.

Globally, the prospects for a U.N. climate change treaty being signed in Paris could, for the first time, commit developed and developing nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to Bloomberg.

In terms of water quality, a final rule clarifying the definition of the "waters of the U.S." is likely to garner the most attention from Congress and industry, significantly expanding the scope of the Clean Water Act, according to Bloomberg, but may be challenged by the Republican-controlled Congress.

Interior Department regulations to update standards on oil and gas drilling and production, including hydraulic fracturing, will keep tensions high among the federal government, industry and state governments in 2015, Bloomberg contends. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline is strongly supported by the Republican-controlled Congress, but getting enough Democratic support in the Senate to override a promised veto from President Obama looks doubtful. And with Republicans in control of the Senate, a proposed repository for radioactive commercial spent nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain in Nevada might advance, says Bloomberg.

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