← Back to Bill Feed
FederalIn Committee
Energy Bills Relief Act
Introduced Mar 18, 2026 · Last action Mar 18, 2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Track this bill
Save bills and get alerts when status changes.
Sign in to saved bills.
Summary
This legislation is called the Energy Bills Relief Act. It is being reviewed by a committee.
Full bill text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7977 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7977
To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 18, 2026
Mr. Casten (for himself, Mr. Levin, Ms. Ansari, Ms. Balint, Ms.
Barragan, Mr. Bell, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Brownley, Ms.
Budzinski, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Case, Ms. Castor of
Florida, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of
New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Craig, Ms. Dean of
Pennsylvania, Ms. DelBene, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell,
Mr. Doggett, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania,
Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New
York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Horsford, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon,
Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms.
Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Landsman,
Mr. Latimer, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Ms. Leger
Fernandez, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Magaziner, Mr.
Mannion, Ms. Matsui, Ms. McBride, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Ms. McClellan,
Ms. McCollum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. McGovern, Mr.
Menefee, Ms. Meng, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Min, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Morrison, Mr.
Moulton, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms.
Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Olszewski, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Mr.
Pocan, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Rivas, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Ms.
Salinas, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Scholten, Mr.
Scott of Virginia, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of
Washington, Mr. Sorensen, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stanton, Ms. Stevens, Mr.
Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Torres of
New York, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Tran, Ms. Underwood, Mr. Vargas, Mr.
Vasquez, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman,
Mr. Whitesides, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and
in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural
Resources, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure,
Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science,
Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Bills
Relief Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY
Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-Cost, Clean Energy
Sec. 101. Repealing H.R. 1 rollbacks of low-cost, clean energy tax
credits.
Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean
Energy
Sec. 111. Reversing grant terminations for low-cost, clean energy.
Sec. 112. Prevention of administrative abuse of Federal permitting of
low-cost, clean energy.
Sec. 113. Ratepayer protection against uneconomic power generation.
TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
Sec. 201. Lowering household heating and cooling bills.
Sec. 202. Home weatherization.
Sec. 203. Reflective roofing.
Sec. 204. Domestic natural gas price protection.
Sec. 205. Rural energy savings.
TITLE III--UNCLOGGING THE LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY BOTTLENECK
Sec. 301. Expedited generator interconnection.
Sec. 302. Advanced transmission technologies.
Sec. 303. Electricity transformers.
Sec. 304. Streamlining permitting of distributed energy.
Sec. 305. Community solar.
Sec. 306. Low-cost, clean energy in United States territories.
TITLE IV--BUILDING OUT A 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICITY GRID
Subtitle A--Amendments to the Federal Power Act
Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Interregional electric transmission planning.
Sec. 403. Allocation of costs of electric transmission facilities of
national significance.
Sec. 404. Minimum interregional transfer capability.
Sec. 405. Increased FERC transmission siting authority.
Sec. 406. Prohibiting expensive, unjust queue jumping.
Subtitle B--Tax and Grants
Sec. 411. Transmission investment tax credit.
Sec. 412. Reduced wildfire risks to the grid.
Subtitle C--Transmission Governance Reform
Sec. 421. FERC staffing.
Sec. 422. FERC fee assessments.
Sec. 423. State public utility commission capacity grants.
Sec. 424. Independent transmission monitors.
Sec. 425. Aggregator bidding into organized wholesale electric markets.
Sec. 426. RTO and ISO governance and participation.
Sec. 427. Modernized grid data and analytics.
TITLE V--DEPLOYING LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLY ON PUBLIC LANDS
AND WATERS
Subtitle A--Public Land Renewable Energy Development
Sec. 501. Public land renewable energy development.
Sec. 502. Geothermal cost recovery.
Sec. 503. Geothermal Gold Book development.
Subtitle B--Offshore Renewable Deployment
Sec. 511. Responsible development of offshore renewable energy.
Sec. 512. Compensation for offshore renewable energy projects.
Sec. 513. Interoperability of offshore electric transmission
infrastructure.
TITLE VI--PROTECTING CONSUMERS IN ELECTRICITY REGULATION
Sec. 601. Utility earnings tied to ratepayer benefits.
Sec. 602. Consumer protection from energy market manipulation.
Sec. 603. Avoiding cost shifts onto families.
Sec. 604. True costs and value of energy for economic and public
benefit.
Sec. 605. Grid performance disclosure.
TITLE VII--COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT
Sec. 701. Federal permitting capacity.
Sec. 702. Interagency environmental data system.
Sec. 703. Timely public release of NEPA documentation.
Sec. 704. Community benefits agreements.
Sec. 705. Intervenor funding at FERC Office of Public Participation.
Sec. 706. Senior community engagement officers and Tribal community
engagement officers.
Sec. 707. Capacity grants for permitting and community engagement.
TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY
Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-cost, Clean Energy
SEC. 101. REPEALING H.R. 1 ROLLBACKS OF LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY TAX
CREDITS.
(a) Repeal.--Subchapter A of chapter 5 of subtitle A of title VII
of Public Law 119-21 is hereby repealed.
(b) Amendments.--Each provision of law amended by such subchapter
is amended to read as such provision would read if such subchapter had
never been enacted.
(c) Effects.--Each amendment made by subsection (b) shall take
effect as if included in the provision of such subchapter to which such
amendment relates.
Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean
Energy
SEC. 111. REVERSING GRANT TERMINATIONS FOR LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.
(a) The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency,
and the Department of Transportation may not terminate a Federal award
in part or its entirety, require a renegotiation or rescoping of the
Federal award, or decide not to fund a future budget period of a
Federal award on the basis that the Federal award no longer effectuates
the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section
200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Any Federal award that was terminated, renegotiated, rescoped,
or not progressed to future budget periods by the Department of Energy,
the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of
Transportation after January 19, 2025, for no longer effectuating the
program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section
200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be
reinstated by such agency or entity under its previous terms and
conditions.
SEC. 112. PREVENTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ABUSE OF FEDERAL PERMITTING OF
LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.
(a) Requirement for Parity.--The Council on Environmental Quality,
in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall ensure, via
subsection (b), that the processing of applications, authorizations, or
related approvals as well as denials and the activities referenced in
subsection (g) for wind, solar, storage, or related electric
transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters is not
subject to more restrictive or burdensome procedural requirements than
those applied to applications for oil, gas, or coal projects on Federal
and non-Federal land and waters and does not bias Federal decision
making in favor of oil, gas, or coal projects, including--
(1) requirements for elevated or discretionary review by
the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, other political appointees, or
career employees;
(2) additional documentation or review not required for
oil, gas, or coal projects;
(3) withholding, delaying, or reversing decisions by local
or regional entities for wind, solar, storage, or related
electric transmission projects for reasons not applied to oil,
gas or coal projects; and
(4) denial of routine administrative approvals, such as
testing permits or cost recovery agreements, or notices to
proceed once all criteria have been met for approval, based on
underlying technology.
(b) Policy Review.--
(1) Review.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Council on Environmental
Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies,
shall--
(A) review all applicable regulations, guidance
documents, policy manuals, departmental directives,
Secretarial orders, and other procedures regarding
energy development; and
(B) identify any provision of such regulations,
documents, manuals, directives, orders, and procedures
not otherwise required in statute that do not comply
with the requirements in subsection (a).
(2) Rescission.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the applicable Secretary or
Administrator shall rescind or amend as necessary any provision
identified under subsection (a).
(c) Accountability in Permitting.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a
report on actions taken by all applicable Federal agencies related to
permitting for energy projects, which shall include--
(1) an analysis of the procedures used by all applicable
Federal agencies for processing applications, authorizations,
or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric
transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and
waters and how those procedures compare to those used for oil,
gas, or coal projects;
(2) an analysis of the number of days applicable Federal
agencies took during the previous calendar year to process
applications, authorizations or approvals for wind, solar,
storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal
and non-Federal land and waters compared to the number of days
to process applications, authorizations or approvals for oil,
gas, or coal projects; and
(3) an assessment of whether applicable Federal agencies
treated wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission
projects the same as oil, gas, or coal projects during the
previous calendar year.
(d) Ensuring Energy Security.--
(1) Limitation on issuance of certain approvals.--Beginning
on the date of enactment of this Act--
(A) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a
permit to extract coal or to drill on an onshore oil or
gas lease on Federal land unless an approval for
onshore wind or solar development has been issued
during the 120-day period ending on the date of the
issuance of the approval for oil or gas development;
and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a
permit to drill on an offshore oil or gas lease on the
Outer Continental Shelf under section 2(a) of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a)) unless
an approval for offshore wind development on the Outer
Continental Shelf of similar scope has been issued
during the 120-day period ending on the date of the
issuance of the approval for oil or gas development.
(2) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed to require the Secretary to approve applications
for a permit to drill for onshore or offshore oil or gas
development or a permit to extract coal.
(e) Timely Federal Review.--
(1) Deadlines to complete environmental reviews under
nepa.--With respect to any proposed wind, solar, storage, or
related electric transmission development on Federal land or
waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, requiring an
environmental impact statement or environmental assessment
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Secretary shall complete such
environmental impact statement or environmental assessment
within the deadlines established under section 107(g) of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)).
(2) Deadline for determination of right-of-way.--Not later
than 180 days after completion of the environmental impact
statement or environmental assessment, as applicable, for wind,
solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on
Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf,
the Secretary shall issue a right-of-way, except in the event
that a no action alternative is selected.
(f) Judicial Review.--
(1) Reviewability.--
(A) In general.--If a Federal agency suspends
construction or operations of a wind, solar, storage,
or related electric transmission project, or otherwise
prevents a wind, solar, storage, or related electric
transmission project from commencing and completing
construction, operation, or related ancillary
activities, including by revoking, rescinding,
withdrawing, terminating, suspending, amending,
altering, or otherwise rendering ineffective any
authorization for a project or the final environmental
document the authorization relies on, shall be
considered final agency action subject to judicial
review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
(B) Venue.--A person seeking judicial review for an
action described in subparagraph (A) shall obtain
review of such action in the United States Court of
Appeals for any circuit wherein the project is located.
(2) Timing.--For any claim brought regarding an action in
paragraph (A), the court of competent jurisdiction shall issue
a decision for such challenge--
(A) as expeditiously as practicable; and
(B) not later than the date that is 30 days after
the date on which the civil action is filed, unless the
court determines that additional time is required in
the interests of justice.
(3) Applicability.--This section shall apply to any actions
in paragraph (1) that occurred after January 19, 2025.
(g) Ensuring Fairness on Federal Lands and Waters.--
(1) FLPMA amendments.--The Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 is amended--
(A) in section 103(c) (43 U.S.C. 1702(c)), by
striking ``historical values;'' and inserting
``historical values, including the generation,
transmission, and storage of renewable energy sources
such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy;''; and
(B) in section 302 (43 U.S.C. 1732), by inserting
at the end ``(e) The Secretary shall manage the public
lands to facilitate the generation, transmission, and
storage of renewable energy resources, consistent with
the principles of multiple use and sustained yield
under this Act. For the purposes of this Act, such
activities are deemed to be consistent with multiple-
use management.''.
(2) OCSLA amendments.--Section 8(p) of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)) is amended by
striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any
activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that
provides for a balance of--
``(A) safety;
``(B) the protection of the environment;
``(C) the prevention of waste;
``(D) the conservation of the natural resources of
the outer Continental Shelf;
``(E) coordination with relevant Federal agencies
and Tribal, State, and local governments;
``(F) the protection of the national security
interests of the United States, including energy
security;
``(G) the protection of correlative rights in the
outer Continental Shelf, including the energy
generation potential of other offshore renewable energy
leases;
``(H) a fair return to the United States for any
lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;
``(I) prevention of unreasonable interference with
other uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high
seas, and the territorial seas, as determined by the
Secretary;
``(J) consideration of--
``(i) the location of, and any schedule
relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way
for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and
``(ii) any other use of the sea or seabed,
including use for a fishery or fishery survey,
a sealane, a regional coastal observing system
or other scientific observation platform such
as a buoy, a potential site of a deepwater
port, or navigation;
``(K) public notice and comment on any proposal
submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under
this subsection;
``(L) the oversight, inspection, research,
monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease,
easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and
``(M) the consideration of any applicable Federal,
Tribal, and State renewable energy mandates, targets,
and goals.''.
SEC. 113. RATEPAYER PROTECTION AGAINST UNECONOMIC POWER GENERATION.
Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824a) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``During the
continuance of any war in which the United States is
engaged, or whenever the'' and inserting ``Secretary of
Energy (referred to in this subsection as the
`Secretary')'';
(B) by striking ``exists'' after ``determines that
an emergency'' and inserting ``currently exists or will
occur within 6 months'';
(C) by striking ``Commission'' after ``or other
causes, the'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
(D) by inserting ``As part of the order, the
Secretary shall explain why such order best meets the
emergency and serves the public interest.'' after
``serve the public interest.''; and
(E) by striking ``Commission'' after ``carrying out
such order, the'' and inserting ``Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (referred to in this subsection
as the `Commission')'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``law or
regulation, the'' and inserting ``Secretary''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The
Secretary shall state in such orders--
``(A) that are in effect for 96 or fewer hours, the
specific hours that are necessary to meet the emergency
and serve the public interest; or
``(B) that are in effect for more than 96 hours,
the specific methodology by which such hours that are
necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public
interest were determined.''.
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``Commission'' wherever it appears
and inserting ``Secretary'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``that may
result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal,
State, or local environmental law or regulation'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by inserting ``that may result in a
conflict with a requirement of any Federal,
State, or local environmental law or
regulation'' after ``In renewing or reissuing
an order under subparagraph (A)''; and
(ii) by inserting ``The Secretary shall
make available to the public the primary
Federal agency consulted.'' after
``practicable.''; and
(D) by adding at the end--
``(C) Before renewing or reissuing an order under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall undertake a
robust study of available alternatives that would
reduce the net costs as compared to renewing or
reissuing the order.
``(D) In the event the Secretary issues a renewed
or reissued order under this paragraph, a petition for
judicial review of such renewed or reissued order may
be filed under section 313(b) without filing a request
for rehearing or otherwise complying with any
requirements of section 313(a).''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(6)(A) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the
Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), the Commission
shall publish--
``(i) estimates of the costs that are
expected to be incurred by any electric utility
and customers of such electric utility as a
result of the order; and
``(ii) other expected impacts of the order.
``(B) Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph
(1), an electric utility that has been, or is expected
to be, affected as a result of the order, including any
electric utility described in subparagraph (A)(i),
shall provide in writing to customers of the electric
utility a description of the costs incurred due to the
order, or costs expected to be incurred as a result of
the order, including any information relevant to the
electric utility and the customers of the electric
utility published under subparagraph (A).''.
TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
SEC. 201. LOWERING HOUSEHOLD HEATING AND COOLING BILLS.
(a) Funding.--Section 2602 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``section 2607A)'' and inserting
``section 2604(e), 2605(u), 2607A, 2607B, or 2607C)'';
and
(B) by striking ``$2,000,000,000'' and all that
follows and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary,
including such sums as may be necessary to enable the
States to assist all households that meet the
eligibility requirements established under this title
and to enable States to implement home energy
affordability measures described in section
2605(b)(3).'';
(2) in subsection (e), in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``in each fiscal year'';
(B) by striking ``$600,000,000'' and inserting
``$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and
$2,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be
necessary for each fiscal year thereafter,''; and
(C) by inserting ``, or arising from a major
disaster, as defined in section 2604(e)(1)'' before the
period at the end; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section
2607C, including making grants under that section, $1,000,000,000 for
fiscal year 2026, and $1,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may
be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6), (7)
through (10), and (11), as paragraphs (6) through (8), (10)
through (13), and (15), respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) The terms `extreme heat' and `extreme cold', used
with respect to a period, means a period in which there is an
increased risk of--
``(A) heat-related or cold-related, respectively,
illness, hospitalization, or death; or
``(B) failures or energy shutoffs of home cooling
or heating, respectively.
``(5) The term `HEAP coordinator' means an employee--
``(A) who administers a program funded under
section 2602(b); and
``(B) whose salary is paid, partly or wholly, with
funds made available under that section.'';
(3) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(9) The term `local coordinating agency' means any local
organization or local office that receives funds under section
2602(b) to perform customer intake, or approval of benefits, on
behalf of the State agency.''; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (13), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(14) The term `State agency' means any State agency that
administers the program funded under section 2602(b).''.
(c) Assistance for Emergencies and Major Disasters, Including
Extreme Heat and Cold.--Section 2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8623) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking ``section
2605(b)(9)(B)'' and inserting ``section 2605(b)(10)(B)''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``(e)'' and inserting the
following:
``(e)(1) In this subsection:
``(A) The term `covered household' means an eligible
household in an area where the President, or the Secretary, as
the case may be, has declared or determined the occurrence of a
natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster.
``(B) The term `major disaster' means--
``(i) a major disaster or emergency declared under
section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191);
``(ii) a public health emergency determined under
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d); or
``(iii) a period of extreme heat or extreme cold,
as determined by the Secretary.
``(2)'';
(B) in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking
``natural disaster or other emergency involved'' and
inserting ``natural disaster, emergency, or major
disaster involved''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Upon a declaration or a determination of a natural
disaster, emergency, or major disaster, for an area, the
Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall, to the extent practicable, provide
heating or cooling assistance through such an allotment to a
State for covered households in that area.
``(4) To receive assistance under this subsection, the
State that has jurisdiction over the covered households shall
provide assurances to the Secretary that the State--
``(A) will not preclude a household that receives
heating assistance or cooling assistance under this
title during a calendar year, on the basis of obtaining
that assistance, from receiving cooling assistance or
heating assistance, respectively, under this title
during that year;
``(B) will not require a household to indicate that
a household member has a medical need for assistance
under this title, to be eligible for that assistance;
and
``(C) will allow use of such assistance for
purposes for which heating or cooling assistance is
available under the program funded under section
2602(b), including for providing energy-efficient air
conditioners, and other equipment needed for home
cooling, to eligible households.''.
(d) Eligible Households.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``paragraph
(5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``, subject to subsection
(c)(1)(A),'' after ``only'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``(B)'' and all that follows through clause
(ii) and inserting the following:
``(B) households with incomes which do not exceed
the greater of--
``(i) an amount equal to 250 percent of the
poverty level; or
``(ii) an amount equal to 80 percent of the
State median income,''; and
(iii) in the matter following subparagraph
(B)--
(I) by striking ``may give'' and
inserting ``shall give''; and
(II) by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``, and the
State may not exclude a household from
eligibility on the basis of citizenship
of 1 or more of the household
members'';
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (16) as
paragraphs (4) through (17), respectively;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Energy burden limits.--To the extent practicable, the
Secretary shall work with States using funding under section
2602(b) (supplemented by funding available through State-level
energy programs, utility affordability initiatives, or other
mechanisms as determined by the State in consultation with the
Secretary) to implement home energy affordability measures--
``(A) to ensure that no household eligible under
paragraph (2) experiences an energy burden for which
the expenditures of the household for home energy
exceed 3 percent of household income; and
``(B) to prioritize the further reduction of energy
burdens for such eligible households with the lowest
incomes.''; and
(E) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (10), as so
redesignated, by striking ``paragraph (16)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (17)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``assistance
to be provided under this title, including criteria''
and inserting ``assistance to be provided under this
title, including--
``(i) certifying that the State and local
coordinating agencies in the State--
``(I) shall, to the greatest extent
possible, use data sharing agreements
with Federal and State low-income
assistance programs, including the
supplemental nutrition assistance
program established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et
seq.), the Medicaid program established
under title XIX of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), and the
supplemental security income program
established under title XVI of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et
seq.), to verify eligibility;
``(II) shall implement simplified
re-enrollment procedures for households
with fixed incomes or households
already determined to be eligible under
other Federal and State low-income
assistance programs, to reduce
administrative burdens on applicants
and agencies;
``(III) shall not require
applicants to submit proof of
citizenship to establish status as an
eligible household; and
``(IV) if neither the verification
process described in subclause (I) nor
the re-enrollment process described in
subclause (II) apply to a household,
shall allow applicants to self-attest
that the applicants meet the criteria
established under this title for an
eligible household, to the extent
necessary to facilitate access to
assistance and prevent undue hardship
for applicants; and
``(ii) describing criteria.'';
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``paragraph
(5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)''; and
(C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``clauses (3),
(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), and (15) of
subsection (b)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (4), (5),
(6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (13), (14), and (16) of
subsection (b)'';
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (b)(10)''
and inserting ``subsection (b)(11)'';
(4) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) For purposes of section 401(c), and the remainder of
title IV, of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1611(a), 1601 et seq.),
assistance under this title shall not be considered to be a
Federal public benefit.''; and
(5) in subsection (j), by striking ``the State may apply''
and inserting ``the State may, subject to subsection
(c)(1)(A)(i), apply''.
(e) Conditions for Funding.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``, using toxics-free
materials that do not contain asthmagens or respiratory
sensitizers, giving priority in the use of those funds
under this subparagraph, to the greatest extent
practicable, to supporting emergency home repairs that
foster energy efficiency, decarbonization, and
household resilience, including through beneficial
electrification of heating and cooling'';
(B) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and'' at the end; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) ensure that--
``(i) the home energy supplier will not
charge late fees for any payment, by a
household receiving assistance through the
program funded under section 2602(b), during
the period beginning 6 months before and ending
6 months after a date on which the supplier
receives funds through the program for the
household; and
``(ii) if the supplier receives funds
through the program for such a household and
charged such late fees during that period, the
supplier shall refund the fees to the household
not later than 7 days after the date the
supplier receives the funds;
``(F) ensure that the home energy supplier will not
shut off home energy from a household that received
assistance through the program funded under section
2602(b), within the 2-year period beginning on the date
the household received the assistance;
``(G) ensure that the home energy supplier, in
return for receiving funds through the program funded
under section 2602(b)--
``(i) will provide to the State data on
households that have not paid their home energy
bills, to enable the State and the supplier to
carry out coordinated outreach concerning
assistance available through the program funded
under section 2602(b); and
``(ii) will, when sending a notice of late
payments to such households, include
information on such assistance, on how to
access such assistance through the program, and
on eligibility criteria for the program; and
``(H) ensure that the home energy supplier will,
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
the Energy Bills Relief Act, in return for receiving
assistance under the program funded under section
2602(b) and through a partnership with the State, offer
a low-income energy affordability payment program;'';
and
(C) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``10 percent'' and
inserting ``15 percent''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) in planning and administering that program,
the State shall use the portion of the amount described
in subparagraph (A), that exceeds 10 percent of the
funds described in subparagraph (A), to expand the
State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the
State operates the program on a year-round basis; and
``(D) in planning and administering that program,
the State--
``(i) shall make technological changes to
allow, not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, for
online submission of applications for
assistance through that program; and
``(ii) shall, to the extent practicable--
``(I) conduct outreach activities,
including activities to increase
enrollment as described in subsection
(p);
``(II) ensure that all HEAP
coordinators in the State receive
wages, for administration funded under
section 2602(b), at not less than the
greater of $15 per hour or the
applicable Federal, State, or local
minimum wage rate;
``(III) conduct training for HEAP
coordinators, State agency staff, and
community partners on best practices
for outreach, application processing,
and assisting eligible households;
``(IV) as needed, conduct outreach
relating to the program funded under
section 2602(b) to rural electric
cooperatives, home energy suppliers
owned by a political subdivision of a
State, such as a municipally owned
electric utility, and home energy
suppliers owned by any agency,
authority, corporation, or
instrumentality of a political
subdivision of a State; and
``(V) ensure autoenrollment of
eligible households into the program
funded under section 2602(b), and in
the process document any potential
barriers to autoenrollment that need to
be clarified or otherwise addressed at
the Federal level;'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as
subparagraph (I); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
following:
``(H) describes how the State will expand the State program
funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the
program on a year-round basis in accordance with subsection
(b)(10)(C) and the measures the State has taken so far to carry
out that expansion; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(m) The Secretary shall allow, to the greatest extent possible,
eligible households to obtain assistance with minimal administrative
burden, by carrying out subsection (c)(1)(A)(i).
``(n) The Secretary shall, by grant or contract, provide for a
study that examines the rates of home energy shutoffs and assessments
of late fees among eligible households, relative to those rates for
households that are not eligible households, over a period of several
years.
``(o) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States to
support partnerships described in subsection (b)(8)(H).
``(p)(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Education, shall issue guidance for use of funds for administrative
activities described in subsection (b)(10) to increase, through
partnerships with elementary schools, secondary schools, and local
educational agencies, enrollment in the program funded under section
2602(b) among eligible households that include children and that have
high energy burdens.
``(2) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on
outreach relating to assistance through the program funded under
section 2602(b) to high-risk individuals, with relevant medical
conditions, that benefit from the use of medical equipment that
requires electricity, including a ventilator, an oxygen concentrator,
or another medical device that requires electricity.
``(3) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on how
to ensure that eligible households are aware of additional grants, tax
credits, and rebates, made available under Public Law 117-169, or an
amendment made by such law.
``(q) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall require each State
receiving funds under this title, including allotments under subsection
(a) or (e) of section 2604, to develop and update as necessary, an
action plan for a period of extreme heat, which shall describe how the
State will use its allotments under this title to assist eligible
households in covering cooling costs and mitigating heat-related health
risks.
``(r) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of
eligibility criteria for assistance under this title and identify
additional vulnerable populations to include under such criteria, such
as pregnant women, children, and individuals with medical conditions
exacerbated by a period of extreme heat.
``(s) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy,
shall require State energy offices receiving Federal funds under this
title to develop plans--
``(1) to retrofit low-income housing stock to adapt to
rising temperatures and address environmental hazards,
including--
``(A) deploying highly efficient cooling systems,
including heat pumps;
``(B) expanding weatherization and passive cooling
strategies;
``(C) addressing structural and health hazards,
including mold, lead, asbestos, and pest infections;
and
``(D) ensuring that necessary electrical panel and
wiring upgrades are completed to support the
installation of cooling systems and energy efficiency
improvements; and
``(2) to assess and adapt existing (as of the date of
development of the plan) shutoff policies to protect all
households while considering the impact on energy affordability
and energy grid reliability.
``(t)(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall submit a report to
Congress that--
``(A) identifies safe residential temperature standards for
federally assisted dwelling units, considering risks of periods
of extreme heat and extreme cold and regional climate
variations; and
``(B) proposes strategies to ensure compliance with the
standards, including permitting covered utility allowances to
be used for cooling assistance where feasible, taking into
account regional climate variations and housing stock
differences.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered utility allowance'
means a utility allowance--
``(A) applicable to public housing dwelling units under
section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437a); or
``(B) under the housing choice voucher program under
section 8(o)(2)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(o)(2)(D)).''.
(f) Weatherization.--Section 2605(k) of the Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(k)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15 percent'' and
inserting ``25 percent''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
clause (i)--
(i) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and
inserting ``subparagraph (C)''; and
(ii) by striking ``the greater of 25
percent'' and inserting ``a portion equal to
the greater of 35 percent'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) The State--
``(i) shall, to the extent practicable--
``(I) use the portion described in subparagraph (A)
for energy-related home repair that reduces dependence
on fossil fuel energy sources; and
``(II) use the portion to facilitate the use of
funds made available under section 2602(b) to increase
the participation of eligible households in community
solar programs, or to otherwise increase access to and
ownership of distributed renewable energy
infrastructure among eligible households; and
``(ii) shall if possible give the highest priority to using
the portion for home repair that replaces appliances that rely
on fossil fuels with appliances that use electric heating or
cooling technology, powered by renewable energy.''.
(g) Home Energy Payment Arrears Data Collection.--Section 2605 of
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624), as
amended by subsection (e), is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(u)(1)(A) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Energy, shall develop a standardized template for States and home
energy suppliers to use to track and report data on eligible households
in arrears in home energy payments, including data on the related fees
and disconnections for such households.
``(B) The template developed under subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) include a definition of an eligible household in
arrears, with respect to home energy payments, as an eligible
household that has not made payment on a home energy bill for
more than 60 to 90 days, as determined by the State agency or
local coordinating agency, unless otherwise specified by State
law;
``(ii) include metrics on related disconnections, late
fees, reconnections, and arrearage balances for eligible
households; and
``(iii) align with existing (as of the date of the
development) Federal and State reporting mechanisms where
applicable.
``(2) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the
Secretary of Energy, issue guidance on best practices for States
(including through partnerships with home energy suppliers) to pay for
home energy payment arrearages with assistance provided through the
program funded under section 2602(b), including by paying for such
arrearages at the time of dissemination of assistance through that
program. Such guidance shall prohibit any home energy supplier
receiving funds through the program from recovering arrearage
assistance costs through rate increases or other charges to customers,
including cost recovery mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-
income households.
``(3) To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of
Energy shall jointly--
``(A) implement a data tracking system, aligned with the
standardized reporting template developed under paragraph (1),
to collect aggregate data regarding the number of eligible
households in arrears and their respective energy burdens and
develop recommendations to HEAP coordinators on how to minimize
energy burdens for the households; and
``(B) issue guidance to home energy suppliers with
recommendations for working with State agencies to address home
energy payment arrearages of eligible households.
``(4) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy,
may make grants to States to assist the States in implementing data
tracking and reporting requirements under this subsection.
``(5) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection such sums as may be necessary.''.
(h) Program Name Change.--
(1) LIHEAP.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of
1981 is amended--
(A) in section 2607A(b) (42 U.S.C. 8626a(b)), in
the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``low-
income'' the first place it appears; and
(B) in section 2607B(e)(2)(B)(ii) (42 U.S.C.
8626b(e)(2)(B)(ii)), by striking ``Low-Income''.
(2) Other law.--A reference in any other Federal law (other
than that Act), Executive order, rule, regulation, or
delegation of authority, or any document, of or relating to the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, shall be deemed to
refer to the Home Energy Assistance Program.
(i) Just Transition Grants.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Act of 1981 is amended by inserting after section 2607B (42 U.S.C.
8626b) the following:
``SEC. 2607C. HEAP ENERGY AFFORDABILITY AND RESILIENCE GRANTS.
``(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Energy
shall jointly carry out a grant program under this section. In carrying
out the program, the Secretaries shall make grants for a period of 3
years to States, Tribes, and local governments to support the
development and implementation of interagency plans to reduce energy
burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans
shall promote the reduction of those burdens in a manner that supports
sustained reductions in household energy costs through improved energy
efficiency, reliability, and access to cost-saving technologies. The
Secretaries shall make the grants for a period of 3 years.
``(b) Preferences.--In making the grants, the Secretary shall give
a preference to States, Tribes, and local governments, who set up
coordination systems--
``(1) to identify eligible households, that are recipients
of assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b),
with high home energy use;
``(2) to prioritize eligible households with the highest
energy burdens and lowest incomes, in alignment with the
priority provisions in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
2605(b), to receive emergency repair, weatherization, and
retrofit assistance that results in decarbonization and
reductions in energy use; and
``(3) to partner with entities carrying out workforce
development initiatives, unions, or business enterprises owned
by individuals that are socially disadvantaged to provide
emergency repairs, weatherization, and retrofit assistance.
``(c) Report to Congress.--At the conclusion of the 3-year grant
period, the Secretaries shall--
``(1) conduct an evaluation of the program's outcomes; and
``(2) prepare and submit to Congress a report containing
the results of the evaluation and policy recommendations.''.
(j) Conforming Amendments.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2607B(e)(2)(K) (42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(K)) by
striking ``paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9), (10), (11),
(12), (13), and (14) of section 2605(b)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (10), (11), (12), (13),
(14), and (15) of section 2605(b)''; and
(2) in section 2610(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 8629) by striking
``clauses (2), (5), (8), and (15) of section 2605(b)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2), (6), (9), and (16) of section
2605(b)''.
SEC. 202. HOME WEATHERIZATION.
(a) Enhancement and Innovation.--Section 414D of the Energy
Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6864d) is amended by
striking subsection (k).
(b) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--Section 415(c)(1) of the
Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(1)) is
amended by striking ``$6,500'' and inserting ``$12,000''.
(c) Clarification of Reweatherization Limitation.--Section
415(c)(2) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C.
6865(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``, or under other Federal programs'';
(2) by striking ``, may'' and inserting ``may''; and
(3) by striking ``or under other Federal programs, or from
receiving non-Federal assistance for weatherization''.
(d) Renewable Energy Systems.--Section 415(c) of the Energy
Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)) is amended by
striking paragraph (4).
(e) Weatherization Readiness Program.--
(1) In general.--The Energy Conservation and Production Act
is amended by adding after section 414E (42 U.S.C. 6864e) the
following section:
``SEC. 414F. WEATHERIZATION READINESS PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a
weatherization readiness program to provide grants to States, Indian
tribes, and tribal organizations to implement measures to make dwelling
units occupied by low-income persons ready to receive weatherization
measures pursuant to the weatherization program conducted under this
part by addressing structural, plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues
and environmental hazards, and implementing other measures that the
Secretary determines to be appropriate, to reduce the frequency of
deferrals of such weatherization measures when the condition of a
dwelling unit renders delivery of weatherization measures unsafe or
ineffective.
``(b) Alignment of Requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in
this section, to the extent possible, the Secretary shall, in
establishing the weatherization readiness program under this section--
``(1) align the requirements of such weatherization
readiness program with the requirements of the weatherization
program conducted under this part; and
``(2) seek to reduce barriers to leveraging other sources
of funding for weatherization readiness measures.
``(c) Savings-to-Investment Ratio.--The weatherization readiness
program established under this section shall not include a savings-to-
investment ratio requirement.
``(d) Previous Weatherization.--Weatherization readiness measures
implemented pursuant to the weatherization readiness program
established under this section shall not be considered previous
weatherization for purposes of section 415(c)(2).
``(e) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--The Secretary shall
establish, or require a State grantee to establish, a limit for
expenditures for weatherization readiness measures, including labor,
materials, and related matters, to be implemented with respect to a
dwelling unit, on an average cost per unit basis, pursuant to the
weatherization readiness program established under this section.
``(f) Allocation of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall allocate funding
made available under this section to States and tribal
organizations in a manner consistent with the allocation of
financial assistance for weatherization assistance under the
weatherization program conducted under this part.
``(2) Updated allocation.--Not sooner than October 1, 2029,
the Secretary, in consultation with States and tribal
organizations, may, by rule, update the method to allocate
funding to States and tribal organizations under this section
to more accurately reflect the relative need for funding for
weatherization readiness measures among low-income persons
throughout the States and Indian tribes.
``(g) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than an amount equal to 15
percent of any grant made by the Secretary under this section may be
used for administrative purposes, except that not more than one-half of
such amount may be used by any State for such purposes.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to
carry out this section.''.
(2) Table of contents amendment.--The table of contents for
the Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding
after the item relating to section 414E the following:
``Sec. 414F. Weatherization readiness program.''.
(f) Reauthorization of Weatherization Assistance Program.--
Paragraph (2) of section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Production
Act (42 U.S.C. 6872) is amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2030''.
SEC. 203. REFLECTIVE ROOFING.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry out a
program to provide rebates to eligible households for the purchase and
installation of eligible cool roof products.
(b) Rebate Amount.--The amount of a rebate provided under the
program established under subsection (a) shall be--
(1) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed
on a low-sloped roof--
(A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool
roof product has--
(i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
of 0.65 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
emittance of 0.75; or
(ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
Reflectance Index of 78; and
(B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool
roof product has--
(i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
of 0.75 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
emittance of 0.75; or
(ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
Reflectance Index of 92; and
(2) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed
on a steep-sloped roof--
(A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool
roof product has--
(i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
of 0.25 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
emittance of 0.75; or
(ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
Reflectance Index of 23; and
(B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool
roof product has--
(i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
of 0.40 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
emittance of 0.75; or
(ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
Reflectance Index of 43.
(c) Combining Rebates.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to prohibit an eligible household from receiving any other grant,
rebate, or other financial assistance with respect to the same eligible
cool roof product for which a rebate is provided under the program
established under subsection (a).
(d) Low-Income and High Energy Burden Households.--In implementing
this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less that 40 percent
of total incremental energy savings achieved under this program in a
given year shall accrue to households that in the determination of the
Secretary are low-income or experience a disproportionately high energy
burden.
(e) Participation Statements.--Each State and each retail
electricity supplier shall publish on an annual basis an impact
statement that disaggregates participation under this section by income
and demographic characteristics, savings, and health outcomes.
(f) Termination Date.--The program established under subsection (a)
shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
(g) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 6 months after the
program established under subsection (a) terminates, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report describing, for each program
participant--
(1) whether the participant used the rebate to help
retrofit an old roof or install a new roof;
(2) if the participant retrofitted an old roof, which older
roof product the new eligible cool roof product replaced or
covered; and
(3) what eligible cool roof product the participant
purchased using the rebate.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2026 through 2030.
(i) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) 3-year aged.--The term ``3-year aged'' means, with
respect to solar reflectance or thermal emittance of an
eligible cool roof product, the solar reflectance or thermal
emittance is tested after completing 3 years of field exposure,
or tested after laboratory exposure that has replicated the
effects of 3 years of natural exposure if the eligible cool
roof product has begun but not yet completed field exposure, in
accordance with the most recent standard issued by the American
National Standard Institute and Cool Roof Rating Council, S100-
2021.
(2) Eligible cool roof product.--The term ``eligible cool
roof product'' means a product that has a rating from the Cool
Roof Rating Council.
(3) Eligible household.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the term ``eligible household'' means an
individual or family--
(i) residing in a single-family or multi-
family building;
(ii) the total annual income of which is
less than 200 percent of the median income of
the ZIP Code in which the individual or family
resides (as reported by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development); and
(iii) residing in a ZIP Code Tabulation
Area that is in the 75th percentile or higher
of the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
(B) Alaska, hawaii, and territories.--With respect
to an individual or family residing in Alaska, Hawaii,
or a territory of the United States, until the date
that their respective State or territory is added to
the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the term ``eligible household''
means that such individual or family--
(i) resides in a single-family or multi-
family building; and
(ii) has a total annual income that is less
than 200 percent of the median income of the
ZIP Code in which the individual or family
resides (as reported by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development).
(4) Incident solar flux.--The term ``incident solar flux''
means the solar power per unit area that strikes a surface.
(5) Low-sloped roof.--The term ``low-sloped roof'' means a
roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) of 2:12 or less.
(6) Radiant heat flux.--The term ``radiant heat flux''
means the radiant power per unit area.
(7) Reflected solar flux.--The term ``reflected solar
flux'' means the solar power per unit area reflected from a
surface.
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(9) Solar reflectance.--The term ``solar reflectance''
means the ratio of reflected solar flux to the incident solar
flux.
(10) Solar reflectance index.--The term ``Solar Reflectance
Index'' means a calculated value that combines solar
reflectance with thermal emittance into a single metric, in
accordance with section 2.2.9. of the Cool Roof Rating
Council's Roof Product Rating Program Manual.
(11) Steep-sloped roof.--The term ``steep-sloped roof''
means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) greater than
2:12.
(12) Thermal emittance.--The term ``thermal emittance''
means the ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a material
tested at a temperature near 300 kelvin.
SEC. 204. DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS PRICE PROTECTION.
(a) Exportation of Natural Gas.--
(1) Exportation of natural gas.--Section 3 of the Natural
Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Exportation of Natural Gas.--
``(1) Order required.--No person shall export any natural
gas from the United States to a foreign country without first
having secured an order of the Secretary of Energy authorizing
it to do so. The Secretary of Energy may issue such order upon
application only if, after opportunity for hearing, the
Secretary of Energy finds that the proposed exportation will be
consistent with the public interest. The Secretary of Energy
may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part,
with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as
the Secretary of Energy may find necessary or appropriate, and
may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for
good cause shown, issue such supplemental order for such
exportation as it may find necessary or appropriate.
``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary of Energy shall find whether
proposed exportation of natural gas will be consistent with the
public interest under paragraph (1) by not later than the date
that is 1 year after the later of--
``(A) the date on which the Secretary of Energy
receives the final environmental impact statement for
such proposed exportation from the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission; and
``(B) the date on which the Secretary completes
each assessment required by paragraph (4).
``(3) Public interest finding.--The Secretary of Energy may
find that proposed exportation of natural gas for which an
application is submitted under paragraph (1) will be consistent
with the public interest under such paragraph only if the
Secretary of Energy determines, based on the applicable
assessment under paragraph (4), that the proposed exportation
of natural gas will not be likely to--
``(A) significantly contribute to climate change,
including by slowing the global energy transition
needed to achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse
gas emissions within the next decade and net-zero
global greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;
``(B) materially increase energy prices or energy
price volatility for any segment of United States
consumers; or
``(C) create a disproportionate cumulative burden
of adverse human or environmental impacts on Tribes and
communities with environmental justice concerns,
including in rural and urban low-income areas.
``(4) Assessments.--
``(A) Climate change assessment.--A determination
under paragraph (3)(A) shall be based on an assessment
of the expected impact of the proposed exportation of
natural gas on climate change. Such assessment shall be
based on the latest scientific information and use the
20-year global warming potential of methane, and shall
include--
``(i) quantified estimates of the
greenhouse gas emissions associated with the
full lifecycle of the natural gas proposed for
exportation, including emissions associated
with the extraction, transportation,
liquefaction, storage, regasification, and
consumption of such natural gas;
``(ii) a comparison of the estimated
greenhouse gas emissions in clause (i) to a
baseline that is consistent with the need to
achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse
gas emissions within the next decade and deep
decarbonization pathways toward net-zero global
greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;
``(iii) an assessment of the potential
effects of the proposed exportation of natural
gas on clean energy alternatives, including--
``(I) any decrease in global
investment in and deployment of
renewable energy, electrification, and
energy efficiency and conservation
technologies; and
``(II) any decrease in United
States exports of clean energy
technologies;
``(iv) quantified estimates of the social
cost of the estimated greenhouse gas emissions
in clause (i); and
``(v) an identification of the extent to
which climate change is accelerating the loss
of economic value in the United States and,
separately, in other countries, due to rising
sea levels, more intense storms, eroding
coasts, increased risk and severity of
wildfires, and other impacts associated with
climate change.
``(B) Economic assessment.--A determination under
paragraph (3)(B) shall be based on an assessment of the
expected economic impact of the proposed exportation of
natural gas, including an assessment of the impact of
the proposed exportation on all United States
consumers, with specific estimates regarding each of
the following consumer subgroups:
``(i) Low-income consumers.
``(ii) Working families.
``(iii) Small businesses.
``(iv) Manufacturers.
``(v) State, Tribal, and local governments.
``(vi) Producers and users of fertilizer.
``(vii) Facilities with high electricity
demand, including data centers.
``(C) Environmental justice assessment.--A
determination under paragraph (3)(C) shall be based on
an assessment of the expected impact of the proposed
exportation of natural gas on environmental justice
(which shall be consistent with Executive Order 14096
(42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to revitalizing our
Nation's commitment to environmental justice for all),
as published April 21, 2023), including assessments of
impacts on--
``(i) the preexisting cumulative
environmental burdens and social and health
risks posed to Tribes and communities with
environmental justice concerns, including in
rural and urban low-income areas;
``(ii) local fisheries and the economic
livelihood of the people employed by local
fisheries;
``(iii) racial and socioeconomic
disparities in impacted communities; and
``(iv) compliance with civil rights laws.
``(5) Public participation.--The Secretary of Energy
shall--
``(A) provide to the public an opportunity to
meaningfully participate, including by providing
comments, in--
``(i) the finding of the Secretary of
Energy on whether proposed exportation will be
consistent with the public interest under
paragraph (1); and
``(ii) any study by the Department of
Energy intended to inform such finding; and
``(B) ensure that opportunities to meaningfully
participate under subparagraph (A) address barriers
that affect members of communities with environmental
justice concerns, including those related to
disability, language access, and lack of resources.
``(6) Major federal action.--Issuing an order authorizing
the exportation of natural gas under this subsection shall be
considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(C)).''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 3 of the Natural Gas
Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking ``export any natural gas
from the United States to a foreign country
or'';
(ii) by inserting ``to the United States''
after ``from a foreign country''; and
(iii) by striking ``exportation or''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``, or the exportation of
natural gas to a nation with which there is in
effect a free trade agreement requiring
national treatment for trade in natural gas,'';
and
(ii) by striking ``or exportation''.
(b) Process Coordination; Hearings; Rules of Procedure.--Section
15(b)(1) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717n(b)(1)) is amended by
striking ``Commission'' and inserting ``Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission''.
(c) Termination of Categorical Exclusion for Approval or
Disapproval of the Exportation of Natural Gas.--The categorical
exclusion under B5.7 of appendix B to subpart D of part 1021 of title
10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export of natural gas and
associated transportation by marine vessel), shall have no force or
effect.
(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall, after public notice and
comment, issue a rule to carry out this Act and the amendments made by
this Act.
SEC. 205. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS.
Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
Grants'' after ``Loans'';
(B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
subsection, the Secretary shall provide--
``(A) loans to eligible entities that agree to use
the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to
qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing
energy efficiency measures; and
``(B) at the election of any eligible entity that
receives a loan under subparagraph (A), a grant in
accordance with paragraph (10).'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
``for loans'' after ``Requirements''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking
``that is'';
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
(B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
indenting the clauses appropriately;
(ii) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
so redesignated), by striking ``With respect to
a loan under paragraph (1)'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
with respect to a loan under paragraph (1)(A)''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Extensions.--The Secretary may extend the
term of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the
deadline for the repayment of an advance under
subparagraph (A)(ii), as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.'';
(E) in paragraph (7)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(A)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), in the matter
preceding clause (i), by striking ``Repayment
of the special advance'' and inserting
``Subject to an applicable extension under
paragraph (5)(B), repayment of a special
advance under this paragraph'';
(F) in paragraph (8), by striking ``paragraph (1)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)(A)''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--At the election of an eligible
entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the
Secretary shall provide to the eligible entity a grant
to pay for a portion of the costs incurred in--
``(i) applying for the loan;
``(ii) making a loan to a qualified
consumer under subsection (d);
``(iii) making repairs to the property of a
qualified consumer that facilitate the energy
efficiency measures for the property financed
through a loan provided to the qualified
consumer under subsection (d);
``(iv) entering into a contract under
subsection (e); or
``(v) carrying out any other duties of the
eligible entity under this section.
``(B) Amount.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to
an eligible entity under this paragraph shall
be equal to not more than 5 percent of the
amount of the loan provided to the eligible
entity under this subsection.
``(ii) Persistent poverty counties.--The
amount of a grant provided under this paragraph
to an eligible entity that will use the grant
to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified
consumers located in a persistent poverty
county (as determined by the Secretary) shall
be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the
loan provided to the eligible entity under this
subsection.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``or grant'' before
``funds''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``(B) shall
finance'' and inserting the following:
``(B)(i) may have a term and amortization schedule
the length of which is the useful life of the energy
efficiency measures implemented using the loan,
provided that the loan to the qualified consumer does
not exceed 20 years; and
``(ii) shall finance''; and
(II) in clause (ii) (as so
designated), by striking ``a loan term
of not more than 10 years'' and
inserting ``the applicable loan term
described in clause (i)'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting
``Outreach,'' after ``Training,'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and
technical assistance of the program'' and
inserting ``outreach, and technical assistance
relating to the program under this section'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting
``, outreach,'' after ``technical assistance'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Funding.--Of the amounts made available under
subsection (i), the Secretary may use such sums as are
necessary to provide outreach, training, and technical
assistance under this subsection.''; and
(5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2030''.
TITLE III--UNCLOGGING THE LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY BOTTLENECK
SEC. 301. EXPEDITED GENERATOR INTERCONNECTION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
(A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
facilities and transmission technologies;
(B) is installed in addition to new or existing
transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
(i) to give operators of the transmission
facilities and transmission technologies more
situational awareness and control over the
electric grid;
(ii) to make the transmission facilities
and transmission technologies more efficient;
or
(iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
the transmission facilities and transmission
technologies; and
(C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
physical systems that increase the usable transfer
capability of the grid.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
(3) Energy storage project.--The term ``energy storage
project'' means--
(A) any equipment that receives, stores, and
delivers energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped
hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis),
thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells,
flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or
other technologies identified by the Commission; and
(B) any project for the construction or
modification of equipment described in subparagraph (A)
as part of an effort to build-out transmission
interconnection opportunities.
(4) Generation project.--The term ``generation project''
means--
(A) any facility--
(i) that generates or injects electricity;
and
(ii) for which an interconnection request
is subject to the jurisdiction of the
Commission; and
(B) any project for the construction or
modification of a facility described in subparagraph
(A).
(5) Interconnection customer.--The term ``interconnection
customer'' means a person or entity that has submitted an
interconnection request.
(6) Interconnection request.--The term ``interconnection
request'' means a request submitted to a public utility to
interconnect a new generation project or energy storage project
to the electric system of a public utility for the purposes of
transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce or the
sale of electric energy at wholesale.
(7) Public utility.--The term ``public utility'' has the
meaning given the term in section 201(e) of the Federal Power
Act (16 U.S.C. 824(e)).
(8) Transmission facility.--The term ``transmission
facility'' means a facility that is used for the transmission
of electric energy in interstate commerce.
(9) Transmission provider.--The term ``transmission
provider'' means a public utility that owns, operates, or
controls 1 or more transmission facilities.
(10) Transmission system.--The term ``transmission system''
means a network of transmission facilities used for the
transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce.
(b) Rulemaking To Expedite Generator Interconnection Procedures.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a
rulemaking--
(A) to address the inefficiencies and
ineffectiveness of existing procedures for processing
interconnection requests to ensure that new generation
projects and energy storage projects can interconnect
quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably;
(B) to invalidate expedited interconnection
processes, using its section 206 authority, that have
been adopted in 2025 or 2026 and which are not in the
pro forma interconnection agreement and which use
eligibility criteria that have disproportionately
selected natural gas and coal projects in comparison to
other projects such as, wind, solar and electric
battery storage projects; and
(C) to revise the pro forma Large Generator
Interconnection Procedures and, as appropriate, the pro
forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement,
promulgated pursuant to section 35.28(f) of title 18,
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations),
to require transmission providers--
(i) to develop and employ modeling
assumptions for each resource type based on
actual operating abilities and practices, for
the purposes of studying an interconnection
request, provided that the Commission shall not
rely on such modeling assumptions to study
projects out of queue priority;
(ii) to study interconnection requests in a
manner consistent with the risk tolerance of
the interconnection customer;
(iii) to establish simplified and
standardized study pathways for small-scale or
community-based generation projects, including
distributed energy resources and projects
serving low-income communities;
(iv) to select, as appropriate, 1 or more
cost-effective solutions to address network
reliability needs that may be identified while
studying an interconnection request;
(v) to provide sufficient information to
interconnection customers for the
interconnection customers to understand how a
transmission provider has implemented the
assumptions and solutions described in clauses
(i) and (iv);
(vi) to share and employ, as appropriate,
queue management best practices, including with
respect to the use of computing technologies,
such as artificial intelligence, machine
learning, and automation, as well as
standardized study criteria, in evaluating and
processing interconnection requests, in order
to expedite study results with respect to those
requests; and
(vii) to implement transparency and
performance-enhancing measures and requirements
that transmission providers consider advanced
transmission technologies to ensure timely and
cost-conscious construction of necessary
network upgrades once an interconnection
agreement has been executed.
(2) Deadline for final rule.--Not later than 12 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
promulgate a final rule to complete the rulemaking initiated
under paragraph (1).
(3) Deadline for compliance filings.--The Commission shall
require each applicable Transmission Provider subject to the
final rule issued pursuant to this rulemaking to submit their
compliance filings within 60 days of the issuance of the final
order, and the Commission shall have 60 days thereafter to
approve or reject the compliance filing. Any subsequent
compliance filing thereafter shall be subject to these same
timing requirements.
(4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section alters, or may
be construed to alter, the allocation of costs of the
transmission system pursuant to the ratemaking authority of the
Commission under section 205 of the Federal Power Act (16
U.S.C. 824d).
SEC. 302. ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
(2) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
(A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
facilities and transmission technologies;
(B) is installed in addition to new or existing
transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
(i) to give operators of the transmission
facilities and transmission technologies more
situational awareness and control over the
electric grid;
(ii) to make the transmission facilities
and transmission technologies more efficient;
or
(iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
the transmission facilities and transmission
technologies; and
(C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
physical systems that increase the usable transfer
capability of the grid.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(b) Shared Savings Incentive for Advanced Transmission
Technologies.--
(1) Definition of developer.--In this subsection, the term
``developer'', with respect to advanced transmission
technology, means the entity that pays to install the advanced
transmission technology.
(2) Establishment of shared savings incentive.--Not later
than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall promulgate a final rule to implement section
219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)) by
providing a shared savings incentive that returns a portion of
the savings attributable to an investment in advanced
transmission technology to the developer of that advanced
transmission technology, in accordance with this subsection.
The Commission may also establish alternative incentive
mechanisms, including performance-based rate adjustments,
accelerated depreciation, or return-on-equity adders, for
utilities or transmission owners for which a shared-savings
approach is impracticable.
(3) Requirements.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall determine the
percentage of savings attributable to an investment in
advanced transmission technology that can be returned
to the developer of that advanced transmission
technology pursuant to the shared savings incentive
established under paragraph (2), subject to the
conditions that the percentage--
(i) is not less than 10 percent and not
more than 25 percent;
(ii) is not determined on a per-project,
per-investment, or case-by-case basis; and
(iii) is applied consistently to all
investments in advanced transmission technology
eligible for the shared savings incentive,
regardless of the type of advanced transmission
technology installed.
(B) Time period for recovery.--The shared savings
incentive established under paragraph (2) shall return
a percentage, determined in accordance with
subparagraph (A), of the applicable savings to the
developer of the applicable advanced transmission
technology over a period of 10 years.
(4) Eligibility.--Subject to paragraph (5), the shared
savings incentive established under paragraph (2) shall apply
with respect to--
(A) any developer, with respect to the investment
of that developer in advanced transmission technology
that is installed as described in subsection (a)(2)(B);
and
(B) any advanced transmission technology,
including--
(i) advanced transmission technology that
relates to new transmission facilities or
transmission technologies; and
(ii) advanced transmission technology that
relates to existing transmission facilities or
transmission technologies.
(5) Limitations.--
(A) Minimum savings.--
(i) In general.--The shared savings
incentive established under paragraph (2) shall
apply with respect to an investment in advanced
transmission technology only if the expected
savings attributable to the investment over the
3-year period described in paragraph (3)(B), as
determined by the Commission and appropriately
adjusted to reflect net present value of the
expected savings, are at least 2 times the cost
of the investment.
(ii) Determination.--
(I) In general.--The Commission
shall determine how to quantify the
cost of an investment and the expected
savings attributable to an investment
for purposes of clause (i).
(II) Costs.--For purposes of clause
(i), the cost of an investment may
include any costs associated with the
permitting, installation, or purchase
of the applicable advanced transmission
technology.
(B) Already installed advanced transmission
technologies.--The shared savings incentive established
under paragraph (2) may not be applied with respect to
advanced transmission technology that is already
installed as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(C) Consumer protection.--The Commission shall
determine appropriate consumer protections for the
shared savings incentive established under paragraph
(2).
(6) Evaluation and sunset of shared savings incentive.--
(A) Evaluation.--Not earlier than 7 years, and not
later than 10 years, after the shared savings incentive
is established under paragraph (2), the Commission
shall--
(i) evaluate the necessity and efficacy of
the shared savings incentive; and
(ii) determine whether to maintain, revise,
or suspend the shared savings incentive.
(B) Consideration of order no. 1920.--In conducting
the evaluation under subparagraph (A)(i), the
Commission shall consider--
(i) how the shared savings incentive aligns
with the requirement that advanced transmission
technologies be considered in long-term
regional transmission planning under Order No.
1920 of the Commission, entitled ``Building for
the Future Through Electric Regional
Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation'' (89
Fed. Reg. 49280 (June 11, 2024)) (or a
successor order);
(ii) whether and how the shared savings
incentive should be revised to further align
with that requirement; and
(iii) whether, in light of that
requirement, the shared savings incentive
should be maintained or suspended.
(C) Public comment.--In conducting the evaluation
under subparagraph (A)(i), the Commission shall provide
an opportunity for public comment, including by
stakeholders.
(c) Congestion Reporting.--
(1) Annual reports.--
(A) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1
year after the effective date of the rule promulgated
under paragraph (2), all operators of transmission
facilities or transmission technologies shall submit to
the Commission annual reports containing data on the
costs associated with congestion management with
respect to the transmission facilities or transmission
technologies, including all relevant constraints.
(B) Requirement.--Each annual report submitted
under subparagraph (A) shall identify--
(i) with respect to each reported
constraint that caused more than $500,000 in
associated costs--
(I) the cause of the constraint,
including physical infrastructure and
transient disruptions; and
(II) the next limiting element type
and its identified rating limit; and
(ii) each constraint that will be addressed
by planned future upgrades to infrastructure
and facilities.
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final
rule establishing a universal metric and protocol for the
measuring and reporting of data under paragraph (1).
(3) Uses of data.--
(A) Analyses.--
(i) In general.--The Commission and the
Secretary shall each use the data submitted
under paragraph (1) to conduct analyses, as the
Commission or the Secretary, as applicable,
determines to be appropriate.
(ii) Coordination.--The Commission and the
Secretary may coordinate with respect to any
analyses conducted using the data submitted
under paragraph (1).
(B) Map.--The Commission and the Secretary, acting
jointly, shall--
(i) use the data submitted under paragraph
(1) to create a map of costs associated with
congestion management in the transmission
system; and
(ii) update that map not less frequently
than once each year.
(4) Publication of data and map.--The Commission and the
Secretary shall make the data submitted under paragraph (1) and
the map described in paragraph (3)(B) publicly available on the
websites of--
(A) the Commission; and
(B) the Department of Energy.
(d) Advanced Transmission Technology Application Guide.--
(1) Definition of developer.--In this section, the term
``developer'' means a developer of transmission facilities or
transmission technologies, including a developer of
transmission facilities or transmission technologies that pays
to install advanced transmission technology with respect to
those transmission facilities or transmission technologies.
(2) Establishment of application guide.--Not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall establish an application guide for utilities and
developers seeking to implement advanced transmission
technologies.
(3) Updates.--The guide established under paragraph (2)
shall be reviewed and updated annually.
(4) Technical assistance.--
(A) In general.--On request of a utility or
developer using the guide established under paragraph
(2), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance
to that utility or developer with respect to the use of
advanced transmission technologies for particular
applications.
(B) Clearinghouse.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse of
previously completed advanced transmission technology
projects that the Secretary, utilities, and developers
may use to identify issues and solutions relating to
the use of advanced transmission technologies for
particular applications.
(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this Act, to remain available
until expended--
(A) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
(B) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2037.
SEC. 303. ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMERS.
(a) Defense Production Act.--There is authorized to be appropriated
$2,100,000,000 for the President, acting through the Secretary of
Energy, under the authority of title III of the Defense Production Act
of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.), to expand domestic manufacturing of
transformers and grid components, including amorphous steel, grain-
oriented electrical steel, flexible transformers, circuit breakers,
switchgear and substations to serve load and interconnect generation,
and inverters and optimizers to integrate the influx of distributed
generators.
(b) Strategic Transformer Resilience Program.--
(1) Definitions.--In this section:
(A) Bulk-power system; electric reliability
organization.--The terms ``bulk-power system'' and
``Electric Reliability Organization'' have the meanings
given those terms in section 215(a) of the Federal
Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o(a)).
(B) Independent system operator; regional
transmission organization; state regulatory
authority.--The terms ``Independent System Operator'',
``Regional Transmission Organization'', and ``State
regulatory authority'' have the meanings given those
terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
796).
(C) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
Secretary of Energy.
(2) Strategy and report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
develop a strategy, and submit to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report identifying methods--
(i) to ensure that large power
transformers, generator step-up transformers,
power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
electrical steel, and other critical electric
grid equipment is strategically located to
ensure timely replacement of that equipment as
necessary to rapidly restore operation and
proper functioning of the electric grid in the
event of severe damage to the electric grid due
to physical attack, cyber attack,
electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic
disturbances, severe weather, climate change,
or seismic events; and
(ii) to facilitate the transportation of
large power transformers, generator step-up
transformers, power conversion equipment,
grain-oriented electrical steel, and other
critical electric grid equipment.
(B) Considerations.--
(i) In general.--In developing the strategy
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
consider the need for, and the feasibility of
establishing, 1 or more federally owned
strategic equipment reserves, as appropriate,
to ensure nationwide access to large power
transformers, generator step-up transformers,
power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
electrical steel, and other critical electric
grid equipment.
(ii) Existing programs.--In carrying out
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider
existing spare transformer and equipment
programs and requirements established by the
private sector, Regional Transmission
Organizations, Independent System Operators,
and State regulatory authorities.
(C) Consultation required.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall consult with--
(i) the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission;
(ii) the Electricity Subsector Coordinating
Council;
(iii) the Electric Reliability
Organization;
(iv) manufacturers of large power
transformers, generator step-up transformers,
power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
electrical steel, and other critical electric
grid equipment;
(v) owners and operators of critical
electric infrastructure (as defined in section
215A(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
824o-1(a))); and
(vi) owners and operators of military
installations (as defined in section 2801(c) of
title 10, United States Code) and defense sites
(as defined in section 2710(e) of that title),
including facilities designated as critical
defense facilities under section 215A(c) of the
Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o-1(c));
(3) Transformer resilience program.--In addition to the
strategy developed under subsection (b), the Secretary shall
establish a program--
(A) to improve large power transformers, generator
step-up transformers, power conversion equipment,
grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical
electric grid equipment by reducing vulnerabilities
identified with respect to that equipment;
(B) to develop, test, and deploy innovative
equipment designs, including modular designs, that are
more flexible and offer greater resiliency with respect
to the operation and functioning of the electric grid;
(C) to coordinate with industry and manufacturers
to standardize large power transformers, generator
step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, and
other critical electric grid equipment;
(D) to monitor and test large power transformers,
generator step-up transformers, power conversion
equipment, and other critical electric grid equipment
that the Secretary determines may pose a risk to the
bulk-power system or national security; and
(E) to facilitate the domestic manufacturing of
large power transformers, generator step-up
transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-
oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric
grid equipment through--
(i) the issuance of grants and loans; and
(ii) the provision of technical support.
(4) Requirement.--
(A) In general.--All laborers and mechanics
employed by contractors or subcontractors in the
performance of construction, alteration, or repair work
carried out, in whole or in part, with financial
assistance made available under this section shall be
paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on
projects of a character similar in the locality as
determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with
subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States
Code.
(B) Authority.--With respect to the labor standards
specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor
shall have the authority and functions set forth in
Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267;
5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United
States Code.
(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available
until expended.
SEC. 304. STREAMLINING PERMITTING OF DISTRIBUTED ENERGY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Authority having jurisdiction.--The term ``authority
having jurisdiction'' means any State, county, local, or Tribal
office or official with jurisdiction--
(A) to issue permits relating to qualifying
distributed energy systems;
(B) to conduct inspections to enforce the
requirements of a relevant code or standard relating to
qualifying distributed energy systems; or
(C) to approve the installation of, or the
equipment and materials used in the installation of,
qualifying distributed energy systems.
(2) Qualifying distributed energy system.--The term
``qualifying distributed energy system'' means any equipment or
materials installed in, on, or near a residential building to
support onsite or local energy use, including--
(A) to generate electricity from distributed
renewable energy sources, including from--
(i) solar photovoltaic systems or similar
solar energy technologies; and
(ii) wind power systems;
(B) to store and discharge electricity from
batteries with a capacity of at least 2 kilowatt hours;
(C) to charge a plug-in electric drive vehicle at a
power rate of at least 2 kilowatts; or
(D) to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell electric
vehicle.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(b) Program.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with trade associations and
other entities representing distributed energy system installers and
organizations representing State, local, and Tribal governments engaged
in permitting, shall carry out a program to further develop, expand,
and support the adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and
inspection process for authorities having jurisdiction to use for the
permitting of qualifying distributed energy systems.
(c) Activities of the Program.--In carrying out the program
established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
(1) further develop and expand an exemplary streamlined
permitting process that includes an online permitting
platform--
(A) for expediting, standardizing, and streamlining
permitting; and
(B) that authorities having jurisdiction may
voluntarily use to receive, review, and approve permit
applications relating to qualifying distributed energy
systems;
(2) establish targets for the adoption of a streamlined,
expedited permitting process by authorities having
jurisdiction;
(3) provide technical assistance and training directly or
indirectly to authorities having jurisdiction on using and
adopting the exemplary streamlined permitting process described
in paragraph (1), including the adoption of any necessary
building codes;
(4) develop a voluntary inspection protocol and related
tools to expedite, standardize, and streamline the inspection
of qualifying distributed energy systems, including--
(A) by investigating the potential for using remote
inspections;
(B) by investigating the potential for sample-based
inspection for distributed energy system installers
with a demonstrated track record of high-quality work;
and
(C) by investigating opportunities to integrate the
voluntary inspection protocol into the online
permitting platform described in paragraph (1) and the
platforms of government software providers; and
(5) take any other action to expedite, standardize,
streamline, or improve the process for permitting, inspecting,
or interconnecting qualifying distributed energy systems.
(d) Support Services.--The Secretary shall--
(1) support the provision of technical assistance to
authorities having jurisdiction, any administrator of the
online permitting platform described in subsection (c)(1),
government software providers, and any other entity determined
appropriate by the Secretary in carrying out the activities
described in subsection (c); and
(2) provide such financial assistance as the Secretary
determines appropriate from any funds appropriated to carry out
this section.
(e) Authority Having Jurisdiction Certification Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may certify authorities
having jurisdiction that implement the exemplary streamlined
permitting process described in subsection (c)(1).
(2) Process.--The Secretary may confer a certification
under paragraph (1) through existing programs within the
Department of Energy.
(3) Prizes.--The Secretary may award prizes to authorities
having jurisdiction, using funds appropriated to the Secretary
to carry out this section, to encourage authorities having
jurisdiction to adopt the exemplary streamlined permitting
process or the voluntary inspection protocol established under
paragraphs (1) and (4) of subsection (c), respectively.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
SEC. 305. COMMUNITY SOLAR.
(a) Establishment of Community Solar Consumer Choice Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program
to increase the opportunities for participation in community
solar programs by--
(A) individuals, prioritizing individuals that do
not have regular access to onsite solar, including low-
and moderate-income individuals and individuals living
in energy communities;
(B) businesses;
(C) nonprofit organizations; and
(D) States and local and Tribal governments.
(2) Alignment with existing federal programs.--The
Secretary shall align the program established under paragraph
(1) with existing Federal programs that serve low-income
communities.
(3) Assistance to state, tribal, and local governments.--In
carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall--
(A) provide technical assistance to eligible
entities for projects to increase the number of
community solar facilities;
(B) assist eligible entities in the development of
new and innovative financial and business models that
leverage competitive processes in order to serve
community solar subscribers; and
(C) use National Laboratories to collect and
disseminate data to assist private entities in the
financing of, subscription to, and operation of
community solar programs.
(b) Federal Government Participation in Community Solar Programs.--
The Secretary shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate, expand
the existing grant, loan, and financing programs of the Department of
Energy to include community solar programs.
(c) Establishment of Community Solar Programs.--
(1) In general.--Section 111(d) of the Public Utility
Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(22) Community solar programs.--
``(A) In general.--Each electric utility shall
offer a community solar program that provides all
ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, equitable
and demonstrable access to such community solar
program. Such programs may include community solar
facilities owned or operated by non-utility entities
and shall not restrict participation to utility-owned
facilities.
``(B) Definitions.--For the purposes of this
paragraph:
``(i) Community solar program.--The term
`community solar program' means a service
provided to any electric consumer that the
electric utility serves through which the value
of electricity generated by a community solar
facility may be used to reduce total charges
billed to the electric consumer.
``(ii) Community solar facility.--The term
`community solar facility' means a solar
photovoltaic system that--
``(I) allocates electricity to
multiple electric consumers of an
electric utility;
``(II) is interconnected with the
electric grid; and
``(III) is located either on or off
the property of the electric consumers
described in subclause (I).''.
(2) Compliance.--
(A) Time limitations.--Section 112(b) of the Public
Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
2622(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9)(A) Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority
(with respect to each electric utility for which the State has
ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility
shall commence consideration under section 111, or set a
hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard
established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d).
``(B) Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with
respect to each electric utility for which the State has
ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility
shall complete the consideration and make the determination
under section 111 with respect to the standard established by
paragraph (22) of section 111(d).''.
(B) Failure to comply.--Section 112(c) of the
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2622(c)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``In the case of the standard established by
paragraph (22) of section 111(d), the reference
contained in this subsection to the date of
enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a
reference to the date of enactment of that
paragraph (22).''.
(C) Prior state actions.--
(i) In general.--Section 112 of the Public
Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2622) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(i) Prior State Actions.--Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply
to the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d) in the
case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of
enactment of this subsection--
``(1) the State has implemented for the electric utility
the standard (or a comparable standard);
``(2) the State regulatory authority for the State or the
relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a
proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a
comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
``(3) the State legislature has voted on the implementation
of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric
utility.''.
(ii) Cross-reference.--Section 124 of the
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 2634) is amended by adding at the
end the following: ``In the case of the
standard established by paragraph (22) of
section 111(d), the reference contained in this
subsection to the date of enactment of this Act
shall be deemed to be a reference to the date
of enactment of that paragraph (22).''.
(d) Federal Contracts for Public Utility Services.--Section
501(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by amending
subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Public utility contracts.--A contract under
this paragraph for public utility services may be for a
period of not more than 30 years.''.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Community solar facility; community solar program.--The
terms ``community solar facility'' and ``community solar
program'' have the meaning given such terms in paragraph (22)
of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)), as added by subsection (c) of this
section.
(2) Community solar subscriber.--The term ``community solar
subscriber'' means an electricity customer that receives or
purchases a proportional share of the output of a community
solar facility under an ownership, subscription, or power
purchase arrangement approved by the applicable regulatory
authority.
(3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State or political subdivision of a State;
(B) a unit of local government;
(C) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304));
(D) a territory of the United States; or
(E) an authority, agency, or instrumentality of, or
an entity owned by, 1 or more entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(4) Energy community.--The term ``energy community'' has
the meaning given such term in section 45(b)(11) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 45(b)(11)).
(5) National laboratories.--The term ``National
Laboratories'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
SEC. 306. LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY IN UNITED STATES TERRITORIES.
(a) Clean Energy Grant Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
establish a renewable energy program (in this section referred
to as the ``program'') under which the Secretary may award
grants to covered entities to facilitate projects, in
territories of the United States, described in paragraph (3).
(2) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant under the
program, a covered entity shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such form, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.
(3) Grant uses.--
(A) In general.--A covered entity receiving a grant
under the program may use grant funds for a project, in
a territory of the United States--
(i) to develop or construct a renewable
energy system;
(ii) to carry out an activity to increase
energy efficiency or demand flexibility;
(iii) to develop or construct an energy
storage system or device for--
(I) a system developed or
constructed under clause (i); or
(II) an activity carried out under
clause (ii);
(iv) to develop or construct--
(I) a smart grid; or
(II) a microgrid; or
(v) to train residents of the territory of
the United States to develop, construct,
maintain, or operate a renewable energy system.
(B) Limitation.--A covered entity receiving a grant
under the program may not use grant funds to develop or
construct a facility that generates electricity using
energy derived from fossil fuels.
(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary of Energy shall
ensure that Department of Energy national laboratories offer to
provide technical assistance to each covered entity carrying
out a project assisted with a grant under the program.
(5) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the establishment
of the program, and on an annual basis thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing--
(A) an estimate of the amount of funds disbursed
under the program;
(B) an estimate of the energy conservation achieved
as a result of the program;
(C) a description of challenges encountered in
implementing projects described in paragraph (3)(A);
(D) recommendations as to additional legislative
measures to increase the use of renewable energy in
territories of the United States, as appropriate;
(E) recommendations for improving resilience and
dependability of projects described in paragraph
(3)(A);
(F) recommendations for furthering the long-term
energy independence of U.S. territories covered by this
program; and
(G) findings regarding the effect of this program
on consumer energy prices and how it can be improved to
continue lowering those prices.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this section.
(b) GAO Study and Report.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Study and report.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(i) conduct a study regarding renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and demand
flexibility in territories of the United
States; and
(ii) submit to Congress a report
containing--
(I) the findings of the study; and
(II) related recommendations.
(B) Components.--The study conducted under
subparagraph (A) shall consider, in relation to each
territory of the United States, the potential--
(i) to modify existing electric power
systems to use renewable energy sources;
(ii) to expand the use of microgrids; and
(iii) to improve energy resiliency.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $1,500,000 to carry out this section.
(c) Definitions.--In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means a
not-for-profit organization determined eligible by the
Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of this Act.
(2) Department of energy national laboratories.--The term
``Department of Energy national laboratories'' has the same
meaning as the term ``National Laboratory'' under section 2 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(3) Microgrid.--The term ``microgrid'' means an electric
system--
(A) that serves the local community with a power
generation and distribution system; and
(B) that has the ability--
(i) to disconnect from a traditional
electric grid; and
(ii) to operate autonomously when
disconnected.
(4) Renewable energy; renewable energy system.--The terms
``renewable energy'' and ``renewable energy system'' have the
meanings given those terms in section 9001 of the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101).
(5) Smart grid.--The term ``smart grid'' means an
intelligent electric grid that uses digital communications
technology, information systems, and automation to, while
maintaining high system reliability--
(A) detect and react to local changes in usage;
(B) improve system operating efficiency; and
(C) reduce spending costs.
(6) Territory of the united states.--The term ``territory
of the United States'' means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
TITLE IV--BUILDING OUT A 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICITY GRID
Subtitle A--Amendments to the Federal Power Act
SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.
Section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(30) Energy storage project.--The term `energy storage
project' means equipment that receives, stores, and delivers
energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower,
hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy
storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors,
superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by
the Secretary of Energy.
``(31) Generating facility.--The term `generating facility'
means any facility that generates electricity.
``(32) Generator tie line.--The term `generator tie line'
means a dedicated transmission line that is used to transmit
power from a generating facility or an energy storage project
to a transmission facility or a transmission system.
``(33) Greenhouse gas.--The term `greenhouse gas' includes
each of the following:
``(A) Carbon dioxide.
``(B) Methane.
``(C) Nitrous oxide.
``(D) Sulfur hexafluoride.
``(E) Any hydrofluorocarbon.
``(F) Any perfluorocarbon.
``(G) Nitrogen trifluoride.
``(H) Any fully fluorinated linear, branched, or
cyclic--
``(i) alkane;
``(ii) ether;
``(iii) tertiary amine; or
``(iv) aminoether.
``(I) Any perfluoropolyether.
``(J) Any hydrofluoropolyether.
``(K) Any other fluorocarbon, except for a
fluorocarbon with a vapor pressure of less than 1 mm of
Hg absolute at 25 degrees Celsius.
``(34) Advanced transmission technology.--The term
`advanced transmission technology' means any hardware or
software that--
``(A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
facilities and transmission technologies;
``(B) is installed in addition to new or existing
transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
``(i) to give operators of the transmission
facilities and transmission technologies more
situational awareness and control over the
electric grid;
``(ii) to make the transmission facilities
and transmission technologies more efficient;
or
``(iii) to increase the transfer capacity
of the transmission facilities and transmission
technologies; and
``(C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
physical systems that increase the usable transfer
capability of the grid.
``(35) Interconnection customer.--The term `interconnection
customer' means an entity, or any affiliates or subsidiaries of
an entity, that proposes to interconnect a generating facility
or an energy storage project to a transmission facility or
transmission system.
``(36) Transmission benefits.--The term `transmission
benefits' means the broad range of economic, operational,
safety, resilience, public policy, and environmental benefits
(as assessed by the Commission in accordance with section
224(e)) and other reasonably anticipated benefits of
constructing, modifying, or operating a transmission facility,
including--
``(A) improved reliability;
``(B) improved resilience;
``(C) improved safety;
``(D) reduced congestion;
``(E) reduced power losses;
``(F) greater carrying capacity;
``(G) reduced operating reserve requirements;
``(H) improved access to lower-cost electricity
generation;
``(I) improved access to electricity generating
facilities with no direct emissions of greenhouse
gases;
``(J) improved public health from the closure of
electricity generation facilities that emit harmful
pollution;
``(K) increased competition and market liquidity in
electricity markets;
``(L) improved energy resilience and resilience of
Department of Defense installations;
``(M) improved ability to integrate new sources of
electrical demand; and
``(N) other potential benefits of increasing the
interconnectedness of the electric grid.
``(37) Network upgrade.--The term `network upgrade' means--
``(A) any addition to or expansion of any
transmission facility or transmission system;
``(B) the construction of a new transmission
facility that will become part of a transmission
system;
``(C) the addition of an energy storage project to
a transmission facility or a transmission system; or
``(D) any construction, deployment, or addition of
an advanced transmission technology to a transmission
facility or a transmission system that eliminates or
reduces the need to carry out any of the activities
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
``(38) Participant funding.--The term `participant funding'
means any cost allocation method under which an interconnection
customer is required to pay, without reimbursement, all or a
disproportionate amount of the costs of a network upgrade that
is determined by the Commission to be necessary to ensure the
reliable interconnection of the interconnection customer's
generating facility or energy storage project.
``(39) Transmission planning region.--The term
`transmission planning region' means--
``(A) when used in a geographical sense, a region
for which the Commission determines that electric
transmission planning is appropriate, such as a region
established in accordance with Order No. 1000 of the
Commission, entitled `Transmission Planning and Cost
Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public
Utilities' (76 Fed. Reg. 49842 (August 11, 2011)); and
``(B) when used in a corporate sense, means the
Transmission Organization or other entity responsible
for planning or operating electric transmission
facilities within a region described in subparagraph
(A).
``(40) Transmission system.--For purposes of sections 224
and 227, the term `transmission system' means a network of
transmission facilities used for the transmission of electric
energy in interstate commerce.''.
SEC. 402. INTERREGIONAL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLANNING.
Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 224. IMPROVING INTERREGIONAL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLANNING.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue regulations that
require each pair or grouping of neighboring transmission planning
regions to jointly develop and file with the Commission a process by
which they will develop an interregional transmission plan to identify
and to facilitate the construction or upgrade of onshore and offshore
electric transmission facilities that are efficient, cost-effective,
and broadly beneficial. Such process must address the considerations in
subsection (b) and be filed within 6 months after the regulations
required by this paragraph are finalized. Such process must require
development of an interregional transmission plan within at least 3
years of the promulgation of the regulations and that a new plan be
developed at least every 3 years thereafter, in alignment with long-
term regional transmission plans developed under Orders 1920 and 1920-A
(89 Fed. Reg. 49280 and 89 Fed. Reg. 97174).
``(b) Considerations.--In determining the requirements for a
process described in subsection (a), the Commission shall require that
such process advance--
``(1) the development of transmission systems that can
operate for a minimum of 20 years and across a wide range of
scenarios, including scenarios that take into account--
``(A) Federal, State, and local laws and
regulations, and other factors that affect electricity
demand and the current and future generation resource
mix;
``(B) trends in technology and fuel costs;
``(C) the retirement of generation facilities,
energy storage projects, and transmission facilities;
``(D) generator interconnection requests and
withdrawals; and
``(E) extreme weather events, including in
anticipation of how the frequency and intensity of
these events are projected to change over the planning
period due to climate change;
``(2) the public interest;
``(3) the integrity of electricity markets;
``(4) the protection of consumers;
``(5) the optimization of transmission benefits;
``(6) the need for an individual interregional transmission
project to secure approvals based on a comprehensive assessment
of the multiple benefits provided;
``(7) the importance of synchronization of planning
processes in neighboring transmission planning regions, such as
using a joint model on a consistent timeline with a single set
of needs, input assumptions, and benefit metrics;
``(8) the need for an individual interregional transmission
project that is identified in the interregional transmission
plan of a pair of transmission planning regions not to be
subject to any subsequent planning process by other
transmission planning regions;
``(9) that evaluation of long-term scenarios should align
with the expected life of an element of a transmission system;
``(10) that a pair of transmission planning regions should
allow for the identification and joint evaluation of
alternatives proposed by stakeholders, and ensure meaningful
opportunities for States, Tribes, consumer advocates, labor
organizations, and environmental justice communities to
participate;
``(11) the need to eliminate arbitrary project voltage,
size, or cost requirements for transmission projects;
``(12) the applicability of a broad range of alternatives
to the construction of transmission facilities, including
advanced transmission technologies, demand side flexibility,
distributed storage, load management, dynamic line rating, and
power flow control; and
``(13) the use of data and analyses provided by the
Secretary of Energy, including as provided by the National
Laboratories, regarding any of the items described in
paragraphs (1) through (12).
``(c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the issuance of
regulations under subsection (a) and annually thereafter, the
Commission shall publish in the Federal Register a report on the
progress by each pair of transmission planning regions in identifying
and facilitating the construction of interregional electric
transmission projects, including a description of the transmission
benefits associated with such projects.
``(d) Environmental Benefits.--In assessing the environmental
benefits associated with any activity undertaken pursuant to this Act,
the Commission may use any relevant analysis or other information
conducted or provided by the Council on Environmental Quality and the
Environmental Protection Agency.''.
SEC. 403. ALLOCATION OF COSTS OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES OF
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 225. ALLOCATION OF COSTS OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES OF NATIONAL
SIGNIFICANCE.
``(a) Allocation of Costs.--
``(1) In general.--Any transmitting utility that owns,
controls, or operates a transmission facility of national
significance, or proposes to own, control, or operate a
transmission facility of national significance, may file a
tariff with the Commission in accordance with section 205
allocating the costs of constructing, modifying, and operating
such transmission facility of national significance in
accordance with paragraph (2).
``(2) Cost allocation principle.--The Commission shall
require that any tariff described in paragraph (1) allocate the
cost to construct, modify, and operate a transmission facility
of national significance to customers within the applicable
transmission planning region or regions in a manner that is
roughly commensurate with the reasonably anticipated
transmission benefits. Additionally, the Commission shall
require that any proposed calculation of reasonably anticipated
transmission benefits make the assumptions and calculations
behind such calculation public and included in any tariff
described in paragraph (1).
``(3) Commission authority.--If the Commission determines
that no tariff filed under paragraph (1) provides for a just,
reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory allocation of costs
for a transmission facility of national significance, the
Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing,
establish or modify such allocation under section 206,
provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent a
transmitting utility from recovering such costs through
voluntary agreement with its customers.
``(b) Definition of Transmission Facility of National
Significance.--In this section, the term `transmission facility of
national significance' means--
``(1) an interstate or interregional electric power
transmission line (and any facilities necessary for the
operation of such electric power transmission line)--
``(A) that has a transmission capacity of not less
than 1,000 megawatts; and
``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
after the date of enactment of this section;
``(2) an electric power transmission line or network,
located in whole or in part offshore (including any radial,
meshed, or shared facilities necessary for its operation), the
construction of which is completed on or after the date of
enactment of this section; or
``(3) an expansion of, or upgrade to, an interstate
electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary
for the operation of such electric power transmission line)
that--
``(A) increases the transmission capacity of such
electric power transmission line by at least 500
megawatts; and
``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
after the date of enactment of this section.
``(c) Savings Provision.--This section does not affect the
authority of the Commission to approve the allocation of costs of
transmission facilities other than transmission facilities of national
significance.''.
SEC. 404. MINIMUM INTERREGIONAL TRANSFER CAPABILITY.
Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 226. PROTECTING ELECTRICITY RELIABILITY BY IMPROVING
INTERREGIONAL TRANSFER CAPABILITY.
``(a) Rulemaking.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 322
of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Public Law 118-5), not later than 24
months after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the
Commission shall, pursuant to section 206, issue regulations that
establish requirements for minimum transfer capability, as described
under subsection (b), between transmission planning regions.
``(b) Minimum Transfer Capability.--The aggregate minimum
interregional transfer capability for each transmission planning region
and its neighboring transmission planning region shall be not less than
30 percent of its own peak electricity demand, or in the case of a
transmission planning region that borders only 1 other transmission
planning region, not less than 15 percent of its own peak electricity
demand, unless the Commission finds, upon a showing by a transmission
planning region, that a lower transfer capability can achieve the same
or greater transmission benefits.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment
of this section and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall
report to Congress on the status of interregional transfer capability,
including on risks to reliability associated with a lack of
interregional transfer capability.''.
SEC. 405. INCREASED FERC TRANSMISSION SITING AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et
seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 227. SITING OF CERTAIN INTERSTATE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION
FACILITIES.
``(a) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.--
``(1) In general.--On receipt of an application under
subsection (b)(1) relating to a transmission facility of
national significance described in paragraph (2), the
Commission, after making the finding described in paragraph (3)
with respect to such transmission facility of national
significance, shall, by order which is published in the Federal
Register, issue to the person who submitted such application a
certificate of public convenience and necessity for the
construction, modification, or operation of such transmission
facility of national significance, subject to such reasonable
terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be
appropriate.
``(2) Transmission facility of national significance
described.--A transmission facility of national significance
referred to in paragraph (1) is an interstate or interregional
electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary
for the operation of such electric power transmission line)--
``(A) that has a transmission capacity of not less
than 1,000 megawatts; and
``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
after the date of enactment of this section.
``(3) Finding described.--The finding referred to in
paragraph (1) is a finding that--
``(A) the applicant for a certificate of public
convenience and necessity is able and willing--
``(i) to carry out the activities and
perform the services proposed in the
application in a manner determined to be
appropriate by the Commission; and
``(ii) to achieve compliance with the
applicable requirements of--
``(I) this part; and
``(II) any rules and regulations
promulgated by the Commission pursuant
to this part;
``(B) the transmission facility of national
significance to be constructed, modified, or operated
under the certificate of public convenience and
necessity will--
``(i) be interstate or interregional;
``(ii) be used for the transmission of
electric energy in interstate commerce; and
``(iii) have a transmission capacity of not
less than 1,000 megawatts.
``(4) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue
regulations specifying--
``(A) a pre-filing process during which a person
described in subsection (b)(1) and the Commission shall
consult with--
``(i) the State commission for each State
through which the applicable transmission
facility of national significance will
traverse;
``(ii) appropriate Federal agencies;
``(iii) each Indian Tribe that may be
affected by the proposed project to construct,
modify, or operate a transmission facility of
national significance; and
``(iv) the appropriate Transmission
Organization;
``(B) the form of, and information to be contained
in, an application submitted under subsection (b)(1);
``(C) requirements for determining whether the
applicable transmission facility of national
significance will--
``(i) traverse not fewer than 2 States;
``(ii) be used for the transmission of
electric energy in interstate commerce; and
``(iii) have a power capacity of not less
than 1,000 megawatts;
``(D) criteria for determining the reasonable and
economical use of--
``(i) existing rights-of-way; and
``(ii) the transmission capabilities of
existing towers or structures;
``(E) the manner in which an application submitted
under subsection (b)(1) shall be considered, which, to
the extent practicable, shall be consistent with State
statutory and regulatory policies concerning generation
and retail sales of electricity in the States in which
the electric energy transmitted by the transmission
facility of national significance will be generated or
sold; and
``(F) the manner in which the Commission will
consider the needs of communities that will be impacted
directly by the applicable transmission facility of
national significance, including how any impacts of the
transmission facility of national significance could be
mitigated or offset.
``(5) Publication, public comment, and hearings for certain
notice of intent and draft environmental impact statements.--
``(A) Publication.--The Commission shall publish in
the Federal Register a notice of intent to prepare an
environmental document under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with
respect to an application for a certificate of public
convenience and necessity that has been submitted under
subsection (b)(1).
``(B) Public comment.--The Commission shall provide
not less than 60 days for public comment on each notice
of intent and draft environmental impact statement
published under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Hearing.--The Commission shall provide to the
individuals and entities described in paragraph (6)(B)
a reasonable opportunity for presentation, in at least
1 public hearing, of any views and recommendations on
each notice of intent and each draft environmental
impact statement published under subparagraph (A). The
Commission shall publish in the Federal Register notice
of any hearing held under this subparagraph.
``(6) Notice and opportunity for a hearing on
applications.--
``(A) In general.--In any proceeding before the
Commission to consider an application for a certificate
of public convenience and necessity under this section,
the Commission shall--
``(i) publish a notice of the application
in the Federal Register;
``(ii) provide written notice of such
application to all affected landowners in
accordance with subsection (c); and
``(iii) provide to the individuals and
entities described in subparagraph (B) a notice
and reasonable opportunity for the presentation
in at least 1 public hearing of any views and
recommendations with respect to the need for,
and impact of, the construction, modification,
or operation of the transmission facility of
national significance proposed to be
constructed, modified, or operated under the
certificate.
``(B) Individuals and entities described.--The
individuals and entities referred to in subparagraph
(A) are--
``(i) an agency, selected by the Governor
(or equivalent official) of the applicable
State, of each State in which the transmission
facility of national significance proposed to
be constructed, modified, or operated under the
applicable certificate of public convenience
and necessity is or will be located;
``(ii) each affected landowner; and
``(iii) as determined by the Commission--
``(I) each affected Federal agency;
and
``(II) each Indian Tribe that may
be affected by the proposed
construction, modification, or
operation.
``(C) Prohibition.--The Commission may not--
``(i) require an applicant for a
certificate of public convenience and necessity
under this section to provide any notice
required under this section; or
``(ii) enter into a contract to provide any
notice required under this section with--
``(I) the applicant for the
applicable certificate of public
convenience and necessity; or
``(II) any other person that has a
financial interest in the project
proposed in the application for such
certificate.
``(b) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--A person desiring a certificate of
public convenience and necessity under this section shall
submit to the Commission an application at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Commission may
require.
``(2) Requirement.--An application submitted to the
Commission under paragraph (1) shall include all information
necessary for the Commission to make the finding described in
subsection (a)(3).
``(c) Notice to Affected Landowners.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall provide written
notice of an application submitted under subsection (b)(1) to
all affected landowners with respect to the transmission
facility of national significance for which such application
was submitted in accordance with this subsection.
``(2) Requirements.--Any notice provided to an affected
landowner under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
``(A) The following statement in 14-point bold
typeface:
```The [name of applicant] has proposed building power
lines that will cross your property, and may also
require building transmission towers on your property.
If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves
[applicant]'s proposed project, then [applicant] may
have the right to build transmission towers on, and
power lines over, your property, or use your property
to construct the proposed project, subject to paying
you just compensation for the loss of your property.
```If you want to raise objections to, offer support
for, or otherwise comment on this, or otherwise comment
on this project, you can do so by submitting written
comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Docket No. [___]. You can do this electronically or by
mail. To do so electronically [to be inserted by the
Commission]. To do so by mail [to be inserted by the
Commission].'.
``(B) A description of the proposed project to
construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility
of national significance, including--
``(i) the location of the proposed project
(including a general location map);
``(ii) the purpose of the proposed project;
and
``(iii) the timing of the proposed project.
``(C) The name of, and the location in the docket
of the Commission at which may be found, each
submission by the applicant to the Commission relating
to the proposed project.
``(D) A general description of what the applicant
will need from the landowner if the proposed project is
approved, including the activities the applicant may
undertake and the facilities that the applicant may
seek to construct on the property of the landowner.
``(E) A description of how the landowner may
contact the applicant, including--
``(i) a website;
``(ii) an email address;
``(iii) a local or toll-free telephone
number; and
``(iv) the name of a specific person to
contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed
project.
``(F) A description of how the landowner may
contact the Commission, including--
``(i) a website;
``(ii) an email address;
``(iii) a local or toll-free telephone
number; and
``(iv) the name of a specific person to
contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed
project.
``(G) A summary of the rights that the landowner
has--
``(i) before the Commission; and
``(ii) in other proceedings under--
``(I) the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure; and
``(II) the eminent domain rules of
the relevant State.
``(H) Any other information that the Commission
determines to be appropriate.
``(3) Obligation of applicant.--An applicant for a
certificate of public convenience and necessity under this
section shall submit to the Commission, together with the
application for the certificate, the name and address of each
affected landowner.
``(d) Regulatory Jurisdiction.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
notwithstanding section 216(i), no State shall regulate any
aspect of the siting or permitting of a transmission facility
of national significance constructed, modified, or operated
under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued
under this section.
``(2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section affects the
rights of States under--
``(A) the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16
U.S.C. 1451 et seq.);
``(B) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
``(C) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
or
``(D) division A of subtitle III of title 54,
United States Code (formerly known as the `National
Historic Preservation Act').
``(3) Tribal consent for certain rights-of-way.--No right-
of-way over or across Tribal land may be granted pursuant to
this section unless consent for the right-of-way has been
obtained from the proper Tribal official in a manner consistent
with the requirements of section 2 of the Act of February 5,
1948 (62 Stat. 18, chapter 45; 25 U.S.C. 324).
``(e) Judicial Review.--
``(1) In general.--Any person aggrieved by an order of the
Commission issued under this section may obtain review of the
order in--
``(A) the court of appeals of the United States for
any judicial circuit in which the transmission facility
of national significance to be constructed, modified,
or operated under the applicable certificate of public
convenience and necessity is or will be located; or
``(B) the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit.
``(2) Petition for review.--
``(A) In general.--A person may obtain review under
paragraph (1) by filing in the applicable court a
written petition praying that the order of the
Commission be modified or set aside in whole or in
part.
``(B) Timing.--A petition under subparagraph (A)
shall be filed by not later than 60 days after the date
on which the applicable order of the Commission is
published in the Federal Register.
``(3) Person aggrieved.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, a person aggrieved by an order of the
Commission issued under this section need not--
``(A) have been a party to the proceedings before
the Commission in which that order was issued in order
to obtain judicial review of the order under this
subsection; or
``(B) have requested rehearing before the
Commission prior to seeking judicial review.
``(f) Right of Eminent Domain for Electric Transmission
Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--The holder of a certificate of public
convenience and necessity may acquire through the exercise of
the right of eminent domain in a court described in paragraph
(2) any right-of-way, land, or other property that is necessary
to construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility of
national significance in accordance with such certificate if
the holder has, in the determination of the Commission, made
good faith efforts to engage with landowners and other
stakeholders early in the permitting process established under
this section, and--
``(A) cannot acquire the necessary right-of-way,
land, or other property by contract;
``(B) is unable to agree with the owner of the
right-of-way, land, or other property with respect to
the compensation to be paid for that right-of-way,
land, or other property; or
``(C) cannot clear defective title with respect to
the right-of-way, land, or other property.
``(2) Court described.--A court referred to in paragraph
(1) is--
``(A) the district court of the United States for
the district in which the applicable right-of-way,
land, or other property is located; or
``(B) the appropriate State court.
``(3) Notice of order issuing certificate.--The holder of a
certificate of public convenience and necessity may not
exercise the right of eminent domain under this subsection with
respect to any property covered by the certificate unless the
Commission has first, in addition to publishing the notice of
certificate of public convenience and necessity in the Federal
Register, provided all affected landowners with notice of--
``(A) the order; and
``(B) the procedures for obtaining judicial review
of such order under subsection (e), including a
description of the time period for seeking judicial
review under that subsection.
``(g) Condemnation Procedures.--
``(1) Appraisals.--
``(A) In general.--A holder of, or applicant for, a
certificate of public convenience and necessity shall
have any property that the holder or applicant seeks to
acquire through the exercise of the right of eminent
domain under subsection (f) appraised in accordance
with generally accepted appraisal standards by an
appraiser selected by the owner of the property,
subject to subparagraph (D).
``(B) Requirements.--
``(i) Costs.--The applicable holder of, or
applicant for, a certificate of public
convenience and necessity shall pay for each
appraisal carried out under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Inspections.--The owner of the
applicable property (or a designated
representative of the owner) shall be given the
opportunity to accompany the appraiser during
any inspection of the property that is part of
an appraisal under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Timing.--An appraisal under subparagraph (A)
shall be carried out before--
``(i) the holder of, or applicant for, the
certificate of public convenience and necessity
makes an offer of just compensation under
paragraph (2); or
``(ii) the holder of the certificate of
public convenience and necessity commences an
action or proceeding to exercise the right of
eminent domain under subsection (f).
``(D) Selection of appraiser.--If the owner of the
applicable property does not select an appraiser under
subparagraph (A) by the date that is 60 days after the
date on which the holder of, or applicant for, the
applicable certificate of public convenience and
necessity requests that the owner do so, the holder or
applicant shall have the right to select the appraiser.
``(2) Offers of just compensation.--
``(A) In general.--Any offer of just compensation
made to an affected landowner of property that is or
will be covered by a certificate of public convenience
and necessity--
``(i) shall be made in writing;
``(ii) may not be for an amount less than
the fair market value of the property, as
determined by an appraisal carried out under
paragraph (1); and
``(iii) shall include compensation for--
``(I) any lost income from the
property; and
``(II) any damages to any other
property of the owner.
``(B) Timing.--The holder of a certificate of
public convenience and necessity may not make an offer
of just compensation to an affected landowner until the
date that is 30 days after the date on which the
Commission provides a notice to the affected landowner
under subsection (f)(3).
``(3) Jurisdictional limitations.--
``(A) Minimum jurisdictional amount.--A district
court of the United States shall only have jurisdiction
of an action or proceeding to exercise the right of
eminent domain under subsection (f) if the amount
claimed by the owner of the property to be condemned
exceeds $3,000.
``(B) Tribal land.--A district court of the United
States shall have no jurisdiction to condemn any
interest in Tribal land.
``(4) Limitation on condemnation.--In any action or
proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under
subsection (f), a court--
``(A) may condemn an interest in property only to
the extent necessary for the specific facilities
described in the applicable certificate of public
convenience and necessity; and
``(B) may not--
``(i) condemn any other interest; or
``(ii) condemn an interest for any purpose
not described in that certificate.
``(5) Right of possession.--With respect to any action or
proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under
subsection (f), an owner of property that is covered by the
applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity
shall not be required to surrender possession of that property
unless the holder of the certificate--
``(A) has paid to the owner the award of
compensation in the action or proceeding; or
``(B) has deposited the amount of that award with
the court.
``(6) Litigation costs.--
``(A) In general.--A holder of a certificate of
public convenience and necessity that commences an
action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent
domain under subsection (f) shall be liable to the
owner of any property condemned in that proceeding for
the costs described in subparagraph (B) if the amount
awarded to that owner for the property condemned is
more than 125 percent of the amount offered to the
owner by the holder before the commencement of that
action or proceeding.
``(B) Costs described.--The costs referred to in
subparagraph (A) are litigation costs incurred for the
action or proceeding described in that subparagraph by
the owner of the property condemned, including--
``(i) reasonable attorney fees;
``(ii) expert witness fees and costs; and
``(iii) reasonable travel costs to
participate in proceedings.
``(h) Enforcement of Conditions.--
``(1) In general.--An affected landowner the property of
which has been acquired by eminent domain under subsection (f)
shall have the right--
``(A) to enforce any condition in the applicable
certificate of public convenience and necessity; and
``(B) to seek damages for a violation of any
condition described in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the United
States shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under
paragraph (1).
``(i) Other Landowner Rights and Protections.--
``(1) Failure to timely complete projects.--
``(A) Surrender of condemned property.--
``(i) In general.--An individual or entity
from which an interest in property is acquired
through the exercise of the right of eminent
domain under subsection (f) by the holder of a
certificate of public convenience and necessity
that is issued for the construction,
modification, or operation of a transmission
facility of national significance may demand
that the holder of the certificate surrender
that interest to that individual or entity if--
``(I)(aa) the transmission facility
of national significance is not in
operation (as modified, in the case of
a modification of a transmission
facility of national significance) by
the date specified in the certificate
(including any modification of the
certificate by the Commission); and
``(bb) there is no request for the
extension of that date pending before
the Commission; or
``(II) subject to clause (ii), the
holder of the certificate, with the
approval of the Commission, abandons
the portion of the transmission
facility of national significance that
is located on the applicable property
relating to that interest.
``(ii) Requirement.--The Commission may not
approve in a certificate of public convenience
and necessity issued under this section or in
any subsequent proceeding the abandonment of
all or any part of a transmission facility of
national significance unless the Commission
requires the holder of the applicable
certificate of public convenience and necessity
to offer to each individual or entity described
in clause (i) the option of having the property
acquired from that individual or entity as
described in that clause restored to the
condition that the property was in prior to the
issuance of the certificate.
``(B) Repayment of condemnation award.--If an
individual or entity described in subparagraph (A)(i)
demands the surrender of an interest under that
subparagraph, the holder of the applicable certificate
of public convenience and necessity shall be entitled
to repayment of an amount equal to not more than 50
percent of the condemnation award relating to the
interest.
``(C) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the
United States shall have jurisdiction over any action
arising under this paragraph.
``(2) Material misrepresentations.--
``(A) Rescission of transaction.--
``(i) In general.--An individual or entity
from which an interest in property is acquired
through the exercise of the riOfficial legislative text sourced from the public record (cached on CivicsHQ). Display truncated for length.
Official source
View the original bill, actions, and full legislative record on Congress.gov.
Status
In Committee
- 1Introduced
- 2Committee
- 3Floor
- 4Passed
- 5Signed
Timeline reflects current normalized status only. Full action history is not yet stored in the API.
Sponsors
- Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]DHouseIL
Cosponsors
- Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
- Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1]
- Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
- Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
- Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
- Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]
- Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
- Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
- Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
- Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
- Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
- Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]
- Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]
- Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
- Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
- Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
- Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
- Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]
- Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
- Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]
- Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]
- Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
- Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6]
- Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
- Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
- Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
- Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]
- Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]
- Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
- Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]
- Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]
- Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]
- Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]
- Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
- Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
- Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]
- Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]
- Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
- Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
- Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
- Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
- Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
- Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
- Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22]
- Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]
- Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-10]
- Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]
- Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
- Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
- Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]
- Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
- Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]
- Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]
- Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
- Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4]
- Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]
- Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]
- Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
- Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4]
- Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37]
- Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]
- Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]
- Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
- Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
- Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
- Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
- Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
- Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
- Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
- Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
- Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
- Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]
- Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
- Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]
- Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
- Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
- Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]
- Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
- Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
- Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
- Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
- Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]
- Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
- Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]
- Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
- Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
- Rep. Mejia, Analilia [D-NJ-11]
- Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
- Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
- Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
- Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
- Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]
- Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
- Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]
- Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
- Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
- Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]
- Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]
- Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
- Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
- Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14]
- Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2]
- Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]
- Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
- Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
- Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
- Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]
- Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
- Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]
- Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6]
- Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
- Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29]
- Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
- Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]
- Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
- Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]
- Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]
- Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
- Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
- Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
- Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]
- Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13]
- Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]
- Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]
- Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]
- Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
- Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
- Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
- Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
- Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
- Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]
- Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
- Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
- Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]
- Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]
- Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
- Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
- Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
- Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
- Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]
- Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
- Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]
- Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]
- Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]
- Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
- Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]
- Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
- Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
- Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
- Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
- Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
- Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]
- Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
- Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
- Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
- Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
- Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Votes
Voting records are not yet available for this bill.