# Energy Bill Debate: Key Issues on the Floor

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/06/energy-bill-debate-key-issues-on-the-floor/
- Published: 2005-06-11T20:48:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## U.S. Senator Domenici Says Energy Bill Debate Begins Monday

“Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) today
said the energy bill debate will hit the Senate floor Monday for an anticipated 
two-week debate that could be complete by the [Fourth of July recess](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/dow-closes-down-46-on-surging-oil-prices/).”

## Why is this important:

As [Rod Abrams](https://atomicinsights.com/senator-domenici-introduces-an-excellent-discussion-in-energy-bill-debates/)
said in part:

It is summertime in Washington and the leaders of the Senate are engaging. Especially
in a seemingly annual exercise of creating a new energy bill for debate.

![U S Senator domenici says energy bill debate begins monday](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2005/06/81D04EB8-90EB-4CC4-9A79-9C3FE2D69732.
jpeg?resize=220%2C275&quality=52&ssl=1 "81D04EB8-90EB-4CC4-9A79-9C3FE2D69732 - The
Green Living Guy")

Yesterday, there was apparently an interesting skirmish between the two senators
from New Mexico during the energy bill debate.  Most noteworthy who are both members
of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Until control of the Senate passed
from the Republican to the Democratic Party in 2006. It was Senator Domenici the
committee chairman. However after the fall elections, he passed the gavel to Senator
Bingaman. Both of these gentlemen (in every sense of the word) are strong supporters
of new [energy sources including nuclear power](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/tesla-solar-energy-power-installed-new-roof/).

However, [times do change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/08/green-drinks-westchester-time-for-change/)
and Pete Domenici is back in chanrge. So now I am saying Domenici is back. Also 
Bingaman isn’t happy. So Senator Domenici introduced a competing amendment with 
a higher standard – 20% instead of 15%. However he [changed the definition to include nuclear power](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/aid-by-trade-foundation-a-powerful-voice-for-change-in-africa/),
hydroelectricity and energy efficiency. (Note: some of the sources that I found 
indicated that the Domenici amendment also included “clean” [fossil fuel generation that included carbon capture](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/new-technologies-that-help-the-environment/).
Can anyone [point me to a good source](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/indian-point-a-controversial-energy-source/)
of the actual proposals?)

One of the objections that Senator Bingaman had to the modified proposal was that
he claimed that it would lead to business as usual for most [utilities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/11/solar-energy-storage-will-be-a-mass-market-reality/)
since nuclear power already represents 20% of the US electrical power supply. Many
large utilities would not have to do anything to [meet the goal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/zotos-international-meets-carbon-neutral-goal/)
and the rest could meet the goal by purchasing credits (or merging with nuclear 
focused utilities).

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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