Republicans pivot to single sweeping bill for energy and tax overhaul

House Republicans are consolidating their legislative efforts into one expansive bill, aiming to address energy, tax and border policies while sidestepping procedural hurdles.

Garrett Downs reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • Republicans plan to streamline permitting reform and energy policy into a single reconciliation bill, focusing on revenue-generating projects like oil and gas leases and repealing clean energy tax breaks.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson set an aggressive timeline to deliver the bill to President-elect Donald Trump by April, prioritizing energy independence, tax cuts and border security.
  • GOP leaders are strategizing to use reconciliation rules to bypass Senate opposition, emphasizing revenue-driven initiatives, despite challenges balancing conservation spending and climate-related guardrails.

Key quote:

“I don’t think there’s any question that energy is going to be where we’re going to get a big pay-for.”

— Rep. Kevin Hern, Republican Policy Committee chair

Why this matters:

Tax cuts and drilling revenue might look good on paper, but slashing clean energy incentives risks derailing the country’s already fragile progress on climate-warming emissions reductions. As the clock ticks, expect battles over climate safeguards, conservation funding and what “energy independence” really means in an era of escalating climate risks.

Read more: The real scam — rail against renewables, run away with factories

red and white building near body of water during daytime

The energy boom is coming for Great Lakes water

Delve into the relationship between Great Lakes water and energy, and its implications for the region's future.
Mountains in the sun with a small amount of snow

Snowpack has not improved in Nevada or the West

Snowpacks continue to look grim across Nevada and most of the western United States, as high temperatures and dry weather hamper snow accumulation.

a person riding a bike down the middle of a road surrounded by tropical forest

Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea

Twenty-nine global banks reject financing a Papua New Guinea LNG project led by TotalEnergies, citing climate, environmental and human rights concerns.
A small girl holding a model of an airplane

Researchers find a way to make airplanes fly on landfill gas

Specially designed efficient catalysts are at the heart of a reactor that makes sustainable aviation fuels from methane-rich gases created when waste decomposes.

A large plume of smoke billowing behind a building

Growing evidence points to link between autism and wildfire smoke

Two new studies have identified an alarming connection between exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy and autism in young children.
Industrial complex with polluting smoke rising from stacks.

As the Trump EPA prepares to revoke key legal finding on climate change, what happens next?

By revoking its 17-year-old scientific finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will demolish the legal underpinning of its authority to act on climate change under the Clean Air Act.

Factory smokestacks emitting smoke against sunset sky.

European chemical giants plot to weaken EU’s flagship climate policy

The ultra-polluting sector says the EU’s carbon price is putting it out of business.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.