As conference committee reports go, the one dealing with energy, agriculture and commerce is quite the combo platter. Not only will it send appropriations from multiple funds into projects in three different subject areas, but it doubles as a policy bill.
On Tuesday, the conference committee putting together the agriculture, energy and commerce finance and policy bill compared the House and Senate versions, and heard testimony from stakeholders who often expressed preferences for one approach over the other.
The 10 conferees are entrusted with finding common ground between HF4975, sponsored by Rep. Patty Acomb (DFL-Minnetonka), and SF4942, sponsored by Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato).
In comparing the spreadsheets for energy, commerce and agriculture, the numbers are fairly comparable, with each body clinging closely to the agreed-upon budget targets for their areas. But policy choices will have to be made, especially in the areas of permitting reform for electric transmission, seeking a federal waiver to create a health care public option, and use of fertilizer fees.