All-Coal Lineup Atop Senate Environment Committees In 2021 Very Possible W. Murkowski Departure

While the 117th Congress is still many months — and an election — away, Senate Republican term limits will create a scenario that could end in three senators from coal-producing states leading panels with primary jurisdiction over energy and environmental policy. GOP rules limit senators to three congresses as chairman and three as ranking member.

That means Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska will vacate her seat as top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, creating a powerful opening. Senators are often loath to discuss such matters so far out, but the No. 2 Republican on ENR, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, is expected to trade his current spot atop Environment and Public Works for Murkowski's.

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee's jurisdiction over the Interior and Energy departments would provide Barrasso a useful platform to press the interests of his home state, which produces about 40% of U.S. coal — more than any other state. Barrasso would serve with top committee Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Manchin is one of his party's most pro-coal members. Barrasso yesterday said, "My sole focus is to make sure that the Republicans maintain a majority in the Senate and that I will then be a committee chairman come the next Congress."

To be sure, retirements or other unforeseen events could alter committee lineups. But should Barrasso rise at ENR, he would clear a path for West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito to become the top Republican on Environment and Public Works.

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