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Climate Regulations

The controversies regarding EPA’s climate regulations, particularly the Agency’s “tailoring” rule, have been ongoing for the past year. These controversies, however, would be amplified with a Republican majority, especially with large emitters becoming subject to the regulations in January 2011. A Republican-led House would likely target the rule by considering legislation to block the “tailoring” rule or strip funding for its implementation. If the House were to pass this type of legislation, and assuming that it could also pass through the Senate, then it would spark a veto battle with the Obama Administration. Republicans could also target other climate regulations, including a draft guidance proposed by the Council of Environmental Quality earlier this year that would require that federal agencies consider climate change in conducting environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Funding for Clean Energy Programs

The Administration has made the transition to a clean energy economy a priority, evidenced by increased funding for clean energy programs. Republicans have criticized these programs for failing to create the jobs promised by the Administration. Campaigning on the need to reduce federal spending and the government’s role in the economy, a Republican-led House could propose reducing or eliminating funding for some of these programs.   The Administration will likely oppose efforts to reduce funding for these programs. At the same time, the Administration will be under pressure to also reduce federal spending, and it will be interesting to see how hard the Administration is willing to fight to sustain funding for some of these programs. Additionally, with subpoena power, Republicans could hold Committee investigations and hearings into alleged mismanagement by the Department of Energy into stimulus funding. 

Nuclear Incentives

The Obama Administration and Congressional Republicans generally agree in the importance of nuclear energy to our nation’s energy future, one of the few issues where there is at least some consensus. A Republican-led House could work with the Obama Administration on incentives and other regulatory reforms to spur growth in the nuclear industry. That being said, the Administration’s support for closing Yucca Mountain as permanent storage site for nuclear waste could become a major issue in a potential debate over nuclear energy.

As this blog outlines, House Republicans and the Obama Administration have starkly different views over energy and climate policy. If Republicans win the House in November, one can expect some bitter battles to occur over these and other energy and climate issues.