House Republicans on March 14 introduced a new reform package aimed at restoring America’s energy independence, though Democrats have already signaled it will face challenges passing through a divided Congress.
The nearly 200-page bill (pdf), known as H.R. 1 or the “Lower Energy Costs Act,” was initially announced by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) last week but it was officially introduced on March 14.
It is co-sponsored by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Sam Graves (R-Mo.).
The bill—which would scale down environmental regulations and expand oil and gas drilling in an effort to tackle the energy crisis, among other things—will be considered on the House floor at the end of March….