SENATE PASSES EN BANC BY UANIMOUS CONSENT 12 ENERGY AMENDMENTS

SIX TECHNICAL FIXES, SIX SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES

July 25, 2003
12:00 AM
Washington, D.C. – The Senate today approved by unanimous consent 12 energy amendments presented en banc by Senate Energy Chairman Pete V. Domenici. The amendments were cleared by bill managers Domenici and Senator Jeff Bingaman. The bills do not count against the previously-agreed-to finite list of amendments. Six of the amendments are technical and clarifying changes. Six of the amendments make substantive changes. Those six include: A Durbin amendment to create 10 pilot programs to promote the use of bicycles as a means of transportation. The amendment authorizes $6 million for the projects. An Inhofe amendment to develop a risk-based data management system for state oil and gas agencies to aid in efforts to limit the impact of oil and gas exploration on ground water. The amendment authorizes $7 million annually. A Harkin amendment to develop a program for the commercialization of hydrogen production from renewable sources. The amendment carries an authorization of $10 million for 2004 and $25 million annually 2005 through 2008. A Lautenberg amendment to include energy from ocean waves in the mandated assessment of renewable energy sources. A Schumer amendment that requires the DOE Secretary to provide a plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in West Valley, New York within a year of passage of the bill. A Domenici/Bingaman amendment that establishes a program to ensure that the U.S. Geological Survey preserves geological data. The amendment authorizes $30 million annually 2004 through 2008. ###