Voice

In a sign that companies are taking the initiative to shape expected legislation, ConocoPhillips is the first U.S.-based oil major to voice its support for a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006 Wednesday night by unanimous voice vote. The act is seen as essential for the energy industry because it provides funding and direction for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s pipeline safety oversight programs.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee last Wednesday approved by unanimous voice vote a pipeline safety reauthorization bill that calls on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recommendation for longer intervals between safety reassessments of natural gas pipelines, and to transmit “appropriate legislative changes” to Congress.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee Wednesday approved by voice vote a pipeline safety reauthorization bill that calls on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recommendation for longer intervals between safety reassessments of natural gas pipelines, and to transmit “appropriate legislative changes” to Congress.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by unanimous voice vote Wednesday approved the nomination of Marc Spitzer for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The favorable vote places him in queue with two other FERC nominees who are awaiting confirmation by the full Senate.

A House Judiciary subcommittee last Thursday approved by voice vote a bill that would bar states from assessing taxes on interstate natural gas pipelines at a higher rate than those levied on in-state industrial and commercial facilities.

A House Judiciary subcommittee on Thursday approved by voice vote a bill that would prohibit states from assessing higher taxes on interstate natural gas pipelines than on in-state industrial and commercial facilities.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved by voice vote the nomination of Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to be the next secretary of the Department of Interior.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by voice vote Thursday a bill that seeks to tame natural gas and crude oil prices by strengthening antitrust enforcement and bolstering competition in the energy industry.