Cochran Votes for Energy Modernization Act

Press Release

U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today voted for bipartisan Senate legislation that seeks to modernize U.S. energy policies.

The Energy Policy Modernization Act (S.2012) was approved on an 85-12 vote. The measure is the first major energy policy bill considered by the Senate in nearly 10 years, and is intended to reform U.S. policies to meet the rapid and significant changes in the energy sector.

"The global economy is reliant on secure energy. This measure is intended to ensure our nation's policies more effectively promote opportunities to produce and deliver more American energy," Cochran said. "Mississippi can play an important role in meeting this goal and in the development of new, energy-efficient technologies."

Among the reforms to update energy policies, the bill would expedite the permitting process for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Cochran and members of the Mississippi congressional delegation have pressed federal agencies to act on a pending project on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The comprehensive Senate bill also includes provisions to promote the development of hydropower, biomass, methane hydrates, geothermal, marine hydrokinetic, and other energy resources. It would also modernize the electric grid and encourage increased energy efficiency in federal and commercial buildings. The legislation would also eliminate outdated or redundant mandates.

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