Wednesday: House looking to finish work on two energy bills

The House meets at 10 a.m. for morning speeches and then again at noon to consider two energy bills.

Members will vote on six Democratic amendments to H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act. This bill would set timelines for Department of Interior decisions on drilling permits in the Gulf.

The House defeated three Democratic amendments on Tuesday night, and will vote on six other amendments on Wednesday. Amendments up today would require oil companies to have worst-case scenario plans in place (Hanbusa, D-Hawaii), eliminate language deeming drilling permits approved if 60 days lapse, even if safety and environmental rules are not finished (Holt, D-NJ), and create an exemption for this timeline if Interior lacks a budget to consider permit applications (Polis, D-Colo.).

Others would require a report on when new oil found would help lower gas prices (Hastings, D-Fla.), allow circuit courts other than the fifth circuit to hear civil actions related to oil drilling (Deutch, D-Fla.), and eliminate language that limits attorney fees in court cases related to drilling (Hastings, D-Fla.).

The House will also start debating the rule for H.R. 1231, the Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act. Members will start with a debate and vote on the rule before proceeding to the bill and seven amendments that were made in order.

This bill would require offshore oil and gas leases to allow for drilling in areas with the most potential for the recovery of energy resources, and sets a domestic oil and gas production goal.