A sweeping energy policy bill that was once supposed to include aid for Flint, Mich. passed the upper chamber on Wednesday—sans relief.
Senate Democrats, particularly Michigan’s Senate delegation, had hoped to use the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which the Senate approved in an 85-12 morning vote, to advance a $250 million measure that would have provided grants to cities facing emergency water contamination situations like Flint.
They were forced to abandon those plans last week, however, following more than a month of relentless obstruction by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The hardline conservative objected to further federal funding to Flint improvements. The city is seeking tens of millions of dollars to replace residents’ water pipes, which have been ravaged by corroded lead.
Another avenue for the relief package had been closed off on Tuesday, when senators agreed to move forward on an energy appropriations bill without considering the proposal.
“We’re not ready to announce what’s going to happen,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) told reporters after the decision. She said she was working with GOP leadership on the next possible step forward for the measure.
Wednesday’s vote marks the first time since 2007 that the Senate has approved of a comprehensive energy package. The legislation would promote the development of alternative energy sources, increase investments in Department of Energy cybersecurity, and adopt new energy efficiency measures and building code standards to reduce costs and emissions.
“The investments we make today will benefit American taxpayers for generations to come,” Sen. Marie Cantwell (D-Wash.), a co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement after the vote.
While residents of Flint may have been denied aid by the Senate on Wednesday, they did receive some semblance of justice. Three Flint officials were charged by state prosecutors with negligence and misconduct in office for their role in the ongoing drinking water crisis. Those indicted include a city utilities manager and two state officials with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. They stand accused of tampering with evidence of contamination and violating the Safe Drinking Water Act.
