Democrats won control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections, while Donald Trump remains in the White House. The source report says this split means major new federal climate and energy laws are unlikely in the next two years. Neither chamber has the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, so any new legislation would need Trump's signature.
The report points to permitting reform as a possible area of bipartisan agreement. A bipartisan group of senators proposed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act in late September, aimed at speeding the review and approval of new energy projects. The Senate was scheduled to vote on it on November 9, before the new Congress takes office in January. The White House supports the bill, and the report says it could pass the Senate if a handful of Democrats join Republicans. The report also says Democrats might wait until next year to try to renegotiate it.
With Democrats in control of Congress, the report expects closer scrutiny of Trump's appointees. Democratic leaders have signaled plans to pursue EPA commissioner Lee Zeldin over staff and investment cuts. Democrats would have the power to subpoena cabinet members and open investigations.
The report highlights state and local action as a major trend.