By KELSEY TAMBORRINO, Politics Morning Energy
| Senator John Barrasso, R-WY, announced his intent Wednesday to become the top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, leaving behind his post as the chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee. Provided Republicans maintain their majority, Barrasso will chair the committee in the next Congress, replacing Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who is term-limited. “Wyoming has been represented on the Senate Energy Committee continuously since 1899. Former Wyoming Senators Wallop, Hansen, O’Mahoney and Kendrick all led the committee at some time over the last century,” Barrasso said in a statement. “It will be an honor to continue this tradition of Wyoming leadership.” |
| As Pro’s Anthony Adragna reports, the move will put lawmakers from the two leading coal-producing states atop the powerful Energy panel, presenting a potential barrier for any aggressive legislation to enact President-elect Joe Biden’s climate change policies. Ranking Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s state of West Virginia is second only to Barrasso’s in coal production, and both lawmakers have defended the fuel that has seen its demand slump sharply over the past decade as the power sector moved to cleaner, cheaper energy sources. Barrasso has been a strong supporter of nuclear power and uranium mining, as well as carbon capture and sequestration technology, and observers don’t expect the committee’s agenda to be wildly different than under Murkowski. “The whole space of energy innovation is so bipartisan,” said Rich Powell, executive director of ClearPath, a group that advocates for conservative clean energy policies. “It’s hard for me to imagine a whole different set of outcomes from that committee. I don’t expect a revolutionary change there.” Keep in mind: Barrasso will remain in Senate Republican leadership next Congress as conference chair. That could put him in prime position to secure floor time for any legislation the committee produces. “There are opportunities for Sen. Barrasso to be a partner on important parts of the clean energy agenda in 2021,” said Josh Freed, senior vice president for climate and energy at think tank Third Way. “We’re going to have to see how creative and open-minded he is. “What’s happening at EPW? Barrasso’s move opens up the top slot for Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who is next in line. In addition to advancing what’s expected to be a hefty infrastructure package, several people said they expected Capito would work on legislation addressing PFAS contamination, a major issue in her state, and providing funding to clean up former mines. If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation. |
