Lawmakers are heading out of town, so it's time to break out the Axios Pro legislative tracker for the first time this Congress.
Why it matters: It's still early, so there's a lot of red on the chart. But committees are finally beginning to move individual bills, and reconciliation is trickling along.
- We'll keep you posted in the next version on more movement on nuclear, mining, transmission and the components of a possible permitting bill.
Mine facilities permitting
The issue: The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act would ease permitting for mills, shafts, crushers and waste facilities after the 2022 Rosemont decision.
Status: Introduced in the House. Approved by Senate ENR.
What's next: Some Democrats want to add language to fund mine reclamation, but senators generally view the bill as a piece of a broader mining or permitting deal.
Making copper "critical"
The issue: The Critical Minerals Consistency Act would add copper to Interior's list of "critical minerals."
Status: Introduced in the House. Hearing held by Senate ENR.
What's next: This could also be part of a larger deal down the road, but ENR Chair Mike Lee postponed a planned committee vote this week as senators consider revised language.
Fast-tracking power plants
The issue: The GRID Power Act would aim to prioritize "dispatchable" generation in interconnection queues.
Status: Introduced in the House. Introduced in the Senate.
What's next: It could be included in a markup of energy bills that Rep. Bob Latta is planning after the Easter recess.
Hydropower ITC
The issue: Bipartisan legislation that would provide an investment tax credit for dam safety and environmental improvements.
Status: Introduced in the House. Introduced in the Senate.
What's next: Sen. Lisa Murkowski wants to do it in reconciliation, but it could get lost in the shuffle of GOP priorities.
ESA overhaul
The issue: House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman's legislation that would amend the Endangered Species Act.
Status: Subcommittee hearing held in House Natural Resources. No action in the Senate.
What's next: It will likely move out of committee soon, but Democrats and environmentalists largely oppose it.
Low-carbon cement R&D
The issue: Bipartisan legislation, known in the House as the IMPACT Act, that would create a DOE program to research and support low-emissions cement, concrete and asphalt.
Status: Passed the House. Introduced in the Senate.
What's next: It has a real chance of passing both chambers, but its future is murky amid broader program and staff cuts at DOE.
Geothermal permitting
The issue: The bipartisan GEO Act would require the Interior Department to process all geothermal applications within 60 days of completing reviews.
Status: Introduced in the House. No Senate action.
What's next: The bill, along with several other geothermal proposals, got bipartisan support in the Senate last Congress and could catch a ride in a permitting overhaul.
Year-round E15
The issue: The bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would allow the year-round blending of up to 15% ethanol into the nation's gasoline supply.
Status: Introduced in the Senate. Introduced in the House.
What's next: Midwestern lawmakers will try to get it included in must-pass legislation this year.
IRA tax credit rescissions
The issue: Republicans want to repeal or curtail the IRA's clean energy tax credits in reconciliation but face internal resistance in both House and Senate.
Status: No formal action, but budget resolution passed both chambers.
What's next: The budget resolution is done. Now comes the real work in committees of developing the reconciliation bill.
