WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The final vote was 85 in favor with 12 opposed, and the bill will now go to the House of Representatives.
"Our bill will help America produce more energy <…> It will increase America’s influence on the world stage, allowing us to finally become that global energy superpower and enjoy the benefits that come with it," Senate Energy Committee chairwoman and bill sponsor Lisa Murkowski said prior to the bill’s passage.
Among the major reforms, the United States will be able to speed up federal approval for liquefied natural gas exports to Asia and Europe. The bill will also make improvements to the US electrical grid and power infrastructure.
The Senate passage of the bill was held up earlier in February as a result of members introducing controversial amendments to aid in the Flint, Michigan lead poisoning, and a measure that could have potentially expanded offshore oil drilling on the US east coast.
