To establish the bases by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue, implement, and enforce certain emission limitations and allocations for existing electric utility steam generating units that convert coal refuse into energy.
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act or the SENSE Act
(Sec. 2) This bill modifies the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule as it applies to certain electric utility steam generating units (electric power plants) that convert coal refuse into energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must maintain the existing limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal refuse utilities under the cap-and-trade system, instead of applying the more restrictive limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2017. (Under the current system, a cap sets a limit on emissions. The cap is lowered over time to reduce the amount of pollutants released. Utilities may only emit as much carbon as permitted under their allowances, which may be traded with others.) Thus, the EPA must allocate to coal refuse utilities in 2017 and subsequent years the same number of emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been previously allocated to coal refuse utilities, instead of reducing allowances.
After January 1, 2017, a coal refuse utility may not trade any unused sulfur dioxide allowances. Those allowances may be saved by the coal refuse utilities for use in future compliance periods.
The EPA may not increase the total number of allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions from all sources that are allocated to each state.
The bill eases emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from coal refuse utilities. The EPA must allow the utilities to meet compliance requirements by meeting the maximum achievable control technology standards for either hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 1
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No.1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 2.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No.2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bera amendment No. 3.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Bera amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Bera demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment No. 4.
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DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Veasey amendment No. 5.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Veasey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Veasey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3797.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H1379)
Ms. Adams moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (consideration: CR H1379-1381; text: CR H1379)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Motion to Recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section that adds parameters for an effective date.
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H1380)
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 173 - 236 (Roll no. 122). (consideration: CR H1381)
Roll Call #122 (House)Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 183 (Roll no. 123).(text: CR H1371)
Roll Call #123 (House)On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 183 (Roll no. 123). (text: CR H1371)
Roll Call #123 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.