US Legislation On Clean Energy Passes A First Hurdle And Continues To Move Forward

On May 15^th, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (the "Bill") was introduced in the House and following its first reading it was referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee (the "ECC") of the US House of Representatives (the "House") for markup. On May 21, 2009 the Bill was approved by the ECC. It is now under consideration by other committees of the House including the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which have until June 19, 2009 to make amendments to provisions that fall within their jurisdiction. Afterwards, the Bill is debated on the House floor and it is read on a section by section basis at which point members can propose other amendments. Once accepted amendments are incorporated the Bill, the Bill is read a third time and the House will then vote. Before becoming law the Bill must pass the Senate and be signed by the President.