Senate energy policy markup begins, but heavy lifting is weeks away (NYT)

[jpak]

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/30/30greenwire-senate-committee-markup-begins-but-heavy-lifti-10337.html

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee begins marking up major energy legislation tomorrow but will not tackle controversial items until after the two-week congressional recess, leaving more time to negotiate areas including a nationwide renewable power mandate.

While tomorrow's meeting is expected to be smooth, it nonetheless marks the beginning of Democratic efforts to advance energy and climate legislation that will include items almost certain to face resistance among many GOP lawmakers and some moderate Democrats.

Democratic leaders in both chambers are currently planning to merge energy measures with a cap-and-trade bill that places first-time mandatory limits on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

In the House, Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is expected to circulate a draft energy and climate bill this week ahead of a markup before Memorial Day. On Friday a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said the senator also continues to support a one-bill strategy. The aide did not say when energy legislation may be brought to the floor.

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