Senators look to pass offshore energy, wildfire bills

By Scott Streater | 11/20/2024 06:07 AM EST

Senate Energy and Natural Resources leaders are seeking a path for dozens of bills to become law this year.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin speaking with Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (I-W.Va., left) converses with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The panel on Tuesday approved offshore wind and drilling revenue legislation backed by Cassidy. Francis Chung/POLITICO

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved 74 bills during a markup Tuesday, including legislation that could generate billions of dollars to address worsening coastal erosion.

The committee also cleared a slew of wildfire, mineral, public land and livestock grazing bills without much debate or discussion.

The measures could become part of a package to pass before the end of the year, Chair Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) said, although he told reporters afterward that fitting such a deal onto the Senate’s packed agenda will be challenging.

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Also difficult, he said, will be finding ways to offset the cost of some of the bills. Manchin said he won’t support sending them to the floor without pay-fors.

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