The quest for a wide-ranging energy bill now moves to the Senate after House passage April 21 of a 1,018-page package that includes provisions aimed at speeding construction of gas pipeline and electricity transmission lines. The bill also boosts nuclear power and opening part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) plans to have his panel vote on its bill in May and hopes for floor action by early summer. President Bush wants the legislation on his desk by August.