Lawmakers and lobbyists are preparing for Senate floor debate in June on a major energy package. The bill, which the Energy and Natural Resources Committee cleared May 26, aims to spur oil and gas production, nuclear power and conservation, and bolster the electricity grid.
The panels 20-1 approval "is a rather formidable step forward." says Chairman Pete Domenici (R-N.M.). President Bush wants a bill on his desk this summer. "Were hopeful that by August we might have an energy policy that could endure for a number of years," says Kim Mastalio, president of Black & Veatchs strategic sales and marketing division.