August 17, 2001—On August 2, the US House of Representatives approved a broad and controversial energy bill, the “Secure America’s Future Energy Act of 2001,” that focuses on increasing domestic oil, gas, and coal exploration while exploring energy conservation initiatives.
Included in the legislation are tax incentives for commercial building owners to achieve certain energy efficiency goals. Additional amendments to address California-specific electricity issues—including a proposal to mandate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to cap California’s retail energy prices for an 18-month period—failed. The legislation also included controversial provisions to allow some drilling and exploration in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
