WASHINGTON, DC — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) has reported that, in response to a much scaled down proposal from House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Billy Tauzin for an energy bill this year, Senate leaders have decided to suspend discussions on the energy bill until the 108th Congress convenes.

PHCC says this has both positive and negative implications. Retention of the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) means that there remains federal language designed to prevent unfair utility competition. However, tax incentives in the bill will have to wait until next year's Congress for consideration.

Early indications are that the energy bill will become a priority for the 108th Congress.