Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act or the SENSE Act
This bill modifies the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule as it applies to certain electric utility steam generating units (electric power plants) that convert coal refuse into energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must maintain the existing limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal refuse utilities under the cap-and-trade system, instead of applying the more restrictive limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2017. (Under the current system, a cap sets a limit on emissions. The cap is lowered over time to reduce the amount of pollutants released. Utilities may only emit as much carbon as permitted under their allowances, which may be traded with others.) Thus, EPA must allocate to coal refuse utilities in 2017 and subsequent years the same number of emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been previously allocated to coal refuse utilities, instead of reducing allowances.
After January 1, 2017, a coal refuse utility may not trade any unused sulfur dioxide allowances. Those allowances may be saved by the coal refuse utilities for use in future compliance periods.
The EPA may not increase the total number of allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions from all sources that are allocated to each state.
The bill eases emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from coal refuse utilities. The EPA must allow the utilities to meet compliance requirements by meeting the maximum achievable control technology standards for either hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide.
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-03-08 | IntroReferral | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Vote | On passage Passed by recorded vote: 215 - 189 (Roll no. 101). (text: CR H1481) | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Vote | On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 181 - 225 (Roll no. 100). | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kildee motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prevent the underlying bill from applying to any coal refuse electric utility steam generating facility associated with air pollution. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | Mr. Kildee moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (text: CR H1487) | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1119. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1119 and H.R. 1917. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1119 and H.R. 1917 under closed rules. Each measure shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions on each measure. | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-08 | Floor | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 762. (consideration: CR H1480-1489) | House floor actions |
| 2018-03-05 | Floor | Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 762 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1119 and H.R. 1917. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1119 and H.R. 1917 under closed rules. Each measure shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions on each measure. | House floor actions |
| 2018-01-12 | Calendars | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 384. | House floor actions |
| 2018-01-12 | Committee | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-514. | House floor actions |
| 2017-12-06 | Committee | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 31 - 23. | House committee actions |
| 2017-12-06 | Committee | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. | House committee actions |
| 2017-11-15 | Committee | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10 . | House committee actions |
| 2017-11-15 | Committee | Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. | House committee actions |
| 2017-02-17 | Committee | Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment. | House committee actions |
| 2017-02-16 | IntroReferral | Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. | House floor actions |
| 2017-02-16 | IntroReferral | Introduced in House | Library of Congress |