The House passed a major energy bill that emphasizes conservation after the Senate made the bill more palatable to Republicans. The House’s 314-100 vote on Dec. 18 sends the bill to President Bush, who is expected to sign it.

The Senate cleared the bill’s path on Dec. 13 when Democratic leaders dropped most of a $22-billion package of tax breaks and offsetting hikes. It was the increases, aimed largely at oil companies, that drew opposition, mostly from GOP lawmakers. But the deleted items include breaks for renewable energy and an extension of a deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings.

The bill still has green buildings provisions, including a mandate that federal facilities cut fossil-fuel use to zero in 2030.