2.0. ERMUSR AGENDA 01-09-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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But bigger changes occurred in the House, as Minnesotans now take over the chairmanships of two key committees: Rep. Oberstar becomes chair of Transportation and Infrastructure (all rail issues, including captive rail), while Rep. Peterson takes over the Ag Committee (farm bill and energy issues). In addition, Democratic newcomers Keith Ellison (Financial Services) and Tim Walz(Ag) received key committee posts. Other changes—big changes—are afoot, including the schedule. The 110th begins January 4, when all 535 Members are sworn in. Typically, a new Congress is quiet in January. No longer: Congress intends to be in 7 straight weeks and not break until President's Day recess. Indeed, Democratic leadership in both chambers has already outlined an ambitious "100 Hours" agenda, which includes passing ethics and lobbying reform initiatives; minimum wage legislation; putting the Iraq and Afghanistan war costs "on budget," and ending tax breaks to large oil and gas companies, among others. Other key (energy) issues to watch include: • Oversight: Democrats firmly believe that Congress has dropped the ball over the last 6 years and has exerted virtually no oversight over the Bush Administration. That will change. You can expect to see key committee chairs (particularly Dingell and Waxman in the House, Boxer and Bingaman in the Senate) exert their influence over several issues and administrative functions throughout the year. They intend to investigate several areas, including EPA regulation over power plants; DOE programs; oil and gas company royalty payments to the federal government; and perhaps the Cheney energy task force. • Electricity Markets: This issue will get a lot of attention. New chairman of the House Energy Committee, John Dingell of MI, is expected to hold several hearings investigating how organized electricity markets, including the MISO region, are working—or not working. Dingell believes FERC has been unaccountable to Congress over the last few years, but he will look to change that. For their part, FERC has already announced they will undertake their own discussion of markets beginning in late February; they intend to hold a series of meetings around the country, starting in Washington. • Climate Change/Global Warming: Lots of activity will surround this issue— hearings, discussion, and legislative proposals. Most of the action will occur in the Senate, where new Chair Barbara Boxer will head the Environment and Public Works Committee. Expect to see several early hearings on climate change, including a review of new California legislation, current Administration proposals (or the lack thereof), and the science to substantiate global warming (that looks at the work of NASA, NOAA, etc.). This effort will undoubtedly impact the electric utility industry: Sens. Boxer and Bingaman are already working on a letter that could sternly warn electric utilities from planning future coal plants. APPA, meanwhile, has formed a climate change task force to help develop public power's policy on climate change; the task force expects to discuss this at the Winter Rally in March. 4