US House passes landmark energy reform

The US House of Representatives voted on Thursday to pass a major energy reform bill. The legislation, which passed with a 249-174 vote, includes measures that would speed up the regulatory process regarding LNG exports and lift a ban on exports of US crude that has been in place since the 1970s.

Proponents of the bill say the updates to US energy regulations provided for by the legislation are crucial to allowing the country to remain competitive and ensuring that consumers have access to reliable energy supplies.

Although the bill garnered overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, it will meet with opposition in the Senate. Critics maintain that the bill will be detrimental to US energy policy, as it does not adequately promote the development of renewable energy.

“[The bill] has one central theme binding its titles: an unerring devotion to the energy of the past,” Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone has said.

The reform is expected to be passed in the Senate by a narrow margin. However, the White House stated on Monday that the bill would be struck down by a presidential veto.

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