Senate passes energy bill by 94 to 4 vote

After a year of exhaustive hearings and debate, plus some politically expedient backpedaling, the Senate finally passed an energy bill last week. By a vote of 94 to 4, the Senate approved S. 2166—the National Energy Security Act of 1992—the most comprehensive energy bill in history. Action now moves to the House, where several separate bills—amounting to much the same package—will be considered. Gone from the original bill, sponsored by Sen. J. Bennett Johnston (D.-La.), are the two most contentious provisions. One opened the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling; the other mandated fuel economy standards for autos and trucks. Both will likely come up as separate bills next year. Key provisions that did pass include overhaul of the 1935 Public Utilities Holding Company Act to cut regulatory barriers against power generation by nonutilities; increased funding and regulatory support for development of alternative fuels; streamlined licensing for nuclear power plants and natural gas pipelines; ...