OVERNIGHT ENERGY: The crucify clash that wasn’t

By Ben Geman - 06/05/12 08:17 PM ET

State of Play: A highly anticipated showdown between House Republicans and a controversial former official at the Environmental Protection Agency won’t happen Wednesday after all.

Al Armendariz, the ex-official who likened environmental law enforcement to crucifixion, has canceled a planned appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The panel’s GOP leaders proclaimed themselves “extremely disappointed.”

Check out our story here.

Armendariz, who led EPA’s Region 6, resigned in late April over the 2010 comments that surfaced earlier that month. He drew widespread GOP criticism over the comments, which Republicans call evidence of an overzealous agency that’s hostile to oil, natural gas and coal producers.

But GOP aides say the show will go on Wednesday with the other witnesses scheduled to appear before lawmakers to discuss EPA’s enforcement priorities. Republicans will use the hearing as a springboard for attacks on both enforcement and recently issued pollution regulations.

“The combined national and regional regulatory and enforcement actions have raised concerns that the agency’s current priorities and enforcement-related activities contribute to an environment that deters new investments; delays or blocks large new projects; and adversely impacts economic growth, job creation, and economic competitiveness,” states a memo about the Energy and Power subcommittee hearing prepared by House Republicans.

But look for Democrats to counterpunch with math: oil and natural-gas production in recent years have been rising, which they will use to parry claims that EPA is throttling domestic energy producers.

An Associated Press analysis last week showed that EPA went after oil-and-gas producers more under former President George W. Bush than President Obama.

NEWS BITES:

Karl Rove: Extend wind-energy credit

Advocates battling to win extension of expiring wind-energy tax breaks got support Tuesday from Karl Rove, who was the top political adviser to former President George W. Bush.

Rove, speaking at a wind-industry conference in Atlanta, said the extension should be a “priority.” Bloomberg has the story.

Senate leader Reid to talk energy

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will chat with reporters Wednesday about the summer “clean energy” summit he has been co-hosting annually in Las Vegas.

“He will announce the impressive speaker line-up as well as address the theme of this year’s summit, which is focused on providing consumers with more and better energy options and understanding how the freedom to make clean energy choices can improve the quality of life, save consumers money and grow the economy,” states an advisory about the call, which will promote the August event.

But with major energy bills going nowhere in Congress this year, it remains unclear what piecemeal measure Reid could try and move through the Senate.

Waxman will also talk energy (and environment)

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) will be the keynote speaker Wednesday morning at a National Journal forum on EPA’s Clean Air Act rules to curb pollution from smokestacks and tailpipes.

The morning event at the Newseum will also be streamed online. More info here.

Bingaman, Murkowski focus on nuke waste management

Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the leaders of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will be featured speakers at an afternoon Bipartisan Policy Center event on nuclear waste management policy. More here.

Speaking of Murkowski ...

As E2 reported earlier, she’s countering some GOP heavyweights by continuing to advocate for green-energy loan guarantees, taking a mend-it-don’t-end-it approach to the controversial program.

Murkowski also spoke more broadly Tuesday about her energy policy outlook, including a plan she intends to release this summer. Click here for video of her speech at George Washington University.

House panel to probe EPA rules

A House Science, Space and Technology Committee panel will gather Wednesday afternoon for a hearing titled: "EPA’s Impact on Jobs and Energy Affordability: Understanding the Real Costs and Benefits of Environmental Regulations."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Here's a quick roundup of Tuesday's E2 stories ...

- House spares nuclear, fossil fuel research funding
- House readies to knock Obama on Yucca Mountain
- Sierra Club ramps up pressure for wind credit extension
- Senate highway bill offer leaves Keystone pipeline battle for another day
- Murkowski: Mend energy loan program, don't end it
- Solar firm that received loan under Romney goes bankrupt
- Bill Clinton hits Romney on Solyndra visit