By Rich Heidorn, Jr., RTO Insider.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed its first major energy bill in almost a decade Thursday but faces a tight calendar to reach agreement with the House, where Republicans approved their own measure with little Democratic support.

Cantwell (left) and Murkowski

The Senate’s Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 passed 85-12, with support of all but a handful of Republicans. The House’s North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act cleared 249-170 in December with support from only three Democrats.

President Obama has threatened to veto the House bill but expressed support for most of the Senate provisions.