Senate Passes Controversial Clean Energy Megabill, Heads to House

President Donald Trump is actively lobbying House Republicans to support a Senate-passed budget reconciliation bill that includes significant fossil fuel industry benefits but cuts to clean energy programs, raising concerns among clean energy advocates about the bill's negative impact on renewable energy growth and climate goals. The legislation, which extends some tax credits for renewable projects but favors fossil fuels through incentives like carbon capture and drilling tax benefits, is projected to reduce new power generation capacity and increase greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, while leading to substantial job and economic losses. Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuels Association is pushing for federal legislation to enable year-round nationwide sales of E15 ethanol-blended fuel, aiming to attach this measure to must-pass bills later in the year. The ongoing debate over energy policy also features political tension, illustrated by Senator Thom Tillis's criticism of the bill's energy provisions and the influence of fossil fuel advocates in shaping them. Additionally, innovations in sustainable biofuels, such as Terviva's development of Pongamia tree-based advanced biofuels, highlight efforts to find scalable, climate-resilient alternatives to fossil fuels amid the contentious legislative environment. This multifaceted energy policy landscape underscores the struggle between advancing clean energy and maintaining fossil fuel industry support under the current administration.