Natural Gas Power Eliminated by House Bill

On Monday, President Joe Biden’s climate goals will be put to the test when a large section of the $3.5 trillion reconciliation measure is up for a vote. If passed, the bill will drive the American economy to reduce carbon emissions through promoting clean energy, electric automobiles, grid modernization, and other initiatives. In addition, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will vote on about $500 billion in grants, incentives, and programs.

Following that, the bill will be integrated with the rest of the reconciliation package as early as Wednesday. Senate Democrats have been gathering to develop their version of the plan, which they expect to present to Biden by the end of the year. Republicans have been united in their opposition thus far, and the bill’s approval appears to be contingent on Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) signing off on necessary provisions.

Manchin, who represents coal-rich West Virginia and owns millions in coal brokerage stock, has expressed qualms about the measure banning fossil fuels. The United Mine Workers of America may eventually persuade Manchin to vote yes or no. However, according to E&E News, the group is currently leaning toward opposing the entire reconciliation plan because it lacks provisions for retraining coal miners. Though it may be part of the negotiations, the coal miner transition plan is conspicuously absent.

The Clean Electricity Performance Plan, a set of carrots and sticks designed to gradually raise the quantity of clean power produced by utilities and producers, is an essential part of the bill. The House proposes a target of 80 percent clean energy by 2030, up from the current 20 percent but short of Biden’s stated aim of net zero by the end of the decade.