Senate committee advances 22 energy-related bills

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is working to advance 22 energy-related bills to the full Senate for a vote.

“I’m excited to be moving legislation related to nuclear energy, mineral security, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration out of committee,” Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said. “These measures will help develop innovative technologies, responsibly reduce our energy and water consumption, and protect our economy and national security.”

One of the bills is the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (S. 903), which looks to develop a range of clean, safe, and reliable advanced reactors technologies. Another is the American Mineral Security Act (S.1307), which she co-sponsored with 10 other Senators.

“Our bill responds to a very significant threat to our economic competitiveness and our national security – our significant and increasing dependence on foreign minerals,” Murkowski said. “If you want an iPhone, an electric vehicle, an F-22 – or just about any other technology – you need minerals. They are the foundation of our modern society, key to our ability to lead the industries of the future, and it is past time we act decisively to rebuild our domestic supply chains.”

The committee also marked up two bills related to carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS).

“CCUS is one of our best options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, both here at home and around the world,” Murkowski said.

Murkowski intends to have another markup focused on energy legislation, including energy storage, in September.