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Bill114th CongressFiled Oct 22, 2015Environmental Protection
H.R. 3797

Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed house without amendment (Mar 15, 2016)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act or the SENSE Act

(Sec. 2) This bill modifies the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule as it applies to certain electric utility steam generating units (electric power plants) that convert coal refuse into energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must maintain the existing limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal refuse utilities under the cap-and-trade system, instead of applying the more restrictive limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2017. (Under the current system, a cap sets a limit on emissions. The cap is lowered over time to reduce the amount of pollutants released. Utilities may only emit as much carbon as permitted under their allowances, which may be traded with others.) Thus, the EPA must allocate to coal refuse utilities in 2017 and subsequent years the same number of emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been previously allocated to coal refuse utilities, instead of reducing allowances.

After January 1, 2017, a coal refuse utility may not trade any unused sulfur dioxide allowances. Those allowances may be saved by the coal refuse utilities for use in future compliance periods.

The EPA may not increase the total number of allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions from all sources that are allocated to each state.

The bill eases emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from coal refuse utilities. The EPA must allow the utilities to meet compliance requirements by meeting the maximum achievable control technology standards for either hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide.

What just happenedMar 16, 2016

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Rothfus, Keith J. [R-PA-12](R-PA)Sponsor
6 cosponsors6 R
Read on Congress.gov
6cosponsors2committees42actions5amendments1related bills8subjects
  1. Mar 16, 2016IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

    Environment and Public Works Committee
  2. Mar 15, 2016FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Mar 15, 2016FloorH37100

    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 183 (Roll no. 123). (text: CR H1371)

  4. Mar 15, 2016Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 183 (Roll no. 123).(text: CR H1371)

  5. Mar 15, 2016FloorH36110

    On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 173 - 236 (Roll no. 122). (consideration: CR H1381)

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  6. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8A000

    The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H1380)

  7. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Motion to Recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section that adds parameters for an effective date.

  8. Mar 15, 2016FloorH36100

    Ms. Adams moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (consideration: CR H1379-1381; text: CR H1379)

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  9. Mar 15, 2016FloorH35000

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H1379)

  10. Mar 15, 2016FloorH32600

    The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3797.

  11. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

  12. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Veasey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Veasey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

  13. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Veasey amendment No. 5.

  14. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment No. 4.

  15. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Bera amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Bera demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

  16. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bera amendment No. 3.

  17. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No.2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

  18. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 2.

  19. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No.1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

  20. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 640, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 1

  21. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3797.

  22. Mar 15, 2016FloorH32400

    The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.

  23. Mar 15, 2016FloorH32020

    House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 640 and Rule XVIII.

  24. Mar 15, 2016FloorH8D000

    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4596 and H.R. 3797.

  25. Mar 15, 2016FloorH30000

    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 640. (consideration: CR H1365-1381)

  26. Mar 15, 2016FloorH1L220

    Rule H. Res. 640 passed House.

  27. Mar 14, 2016FloorH1L210

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 640 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4596 and H.R. 3797.

  28. Mar 7, 2016CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 340.

  29. Mar 7, 2016CommitteeH12200

    Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-445.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  30. Mar 7, 2016Committee5000

    Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-445.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  31. Feb 25, 2016Committee

    Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 29 - 22.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  32. Feb 25, 2016Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  33. Feb 24, 2016Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  34. Feb 11, 2016Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  35. Feb 11, 2016Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  36. Feb 10, 2016Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  37. Feb 3, 2016Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  38. Oct 23, 2015Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  39. Oct 22, 2015IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  40. Oct 22, 2015IntroReferralB00100

    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7094-7095)

  41. Oct 22, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  42. Oct 22, 2015IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House without amendmentMar 15, 201681

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act or the SENSE Act

(Sec. 2) This bill modifies the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule as it applies to certain electric utility steam generating units (electric power plants) that convert coal refuse into energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must maintain the existing limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal refuse utilities under the cap-and-trade system, instead of applying the more restrictive limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2017. (Under the current system, a cap sets a limit on emissions. The cap is lowered over time to reduce the amount of pollutants released. Utilities may only emit as much carbon as permitted under their allowances, which may be traded with others.) Thus, the EPA must allocate to coal refuse utilities in 2017 and subsequent years the same number of emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been previously allocated to coal refuse utilities, instead of reducing allowances.

After January 1, 2017, a coal refuse utility may not trade any unused sulfur dioxide allowances. Those allowances may be saved by the coal refuse utilities for use in future compliance periods.

The EPA may not increase the total number of allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions from all sources that are allocated to each state.

The bill eases emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from coal refuse utilities. The EPA must allow the utilities to meet compliance requirements by meeting the maximum achievable control technology standards for either hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide.

Introduced in HouseOct 22, 2015

Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act or the SENSE Act

This bill modifies the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule as it applies to certain electric utility steam generating units (electric power plants) that convert coal refuse into energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must maintain the existing limits for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal refuse utilities under the cap-and-trade system, instead of applying the more restrictive limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2017. (Under the current system, a cap sets a limit on emissions. The cap is lowered over time to reduce the amount of pollutants released. Utilities may only emit as much carbon as permitted under their allowances, which may be traded with others.) Thus, the EPA must allocate to coal refuse utilities in 2017 and subsequent years the same number of emissions allowances for sulfur dioxide that have been previously allocated to coal refuse utilities, instead of reducing allowances.

After January 1, 2017, a coal refuse utility may not trade any unused sulfur dioxide allowances. Those allowances may be saved by the coal refuse utilities for use in future compliance periods.

The EPA may not increase the total number of allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions from all sources that are allocated to each state.

The bill eases emission limits for hazardous air pollutants from coal refuse utilities. The EPA must allow the utilities to meet compliance requirements by meeting the maximum achievable control technology standards for either hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide.

Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment — Informed