U.S. House Approves Comprehensive Energy Bill That Will Boost Domestic Energy Supply

Last Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive energy bill on a 241-178 vote. The bill, H.R. 8, will increase natural gas production by streamlining siting and approvals for the production and export of liquefied natural gas and other fossil fuels. MSCI supports increased natural gas production. 

While U.S. Senate passed energy legislation in April, as Utility Drive notes, there are significant differences remaining between the two bills. (The White House opposes the House bill.) As such, after the House passed its version of the bill, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) appointed 24 House Republican lawmakers to serve on a bipartisan conference committee that will negotiate final legislation with Senate conferees. If lawmakers are successful in their negotiations, and if the House and Senate pass the final legislation produced by the conference committee, it would be the first comprehensive energy package passed by Congress in nearly 10 years. 

Why does MSCI support these pieces of legislation? Click here to read about a new report that outlines the benefits of natural gas productions for the U.S. metals and manufacturing industries. Click here to learn how you can support natural gas exploration on a local level.