"Progressives set out to write a reconciliation bill that would scrap special tax treatment for fossil fuel companies. Instead, they might hand the oil and gas industry a new subsidy.
Democrats struck a deal in October with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Texas moderates to pair a methane fee with $775 million in grants, loans and rebates for oil and gas companies to monitor and reduce methane pollution, which accounts for 20 percent of all global emissions, according to EPA.
It was a difficult pill for House progressives to swallow as they voted to advance their $1.7 trillion climate and social spending bill, and it’s still possible the methane program could drop out altogether.
With the oil and gas sector still staunchly opposed, Manchin is now negotiating additional changes to the provision with Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Tom Carper (D-Del.) as the massive package moves through the Senate."
Nick Sobczyk and Heather Richards report for E&E News December 10, 2021.
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