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Energy Updates


Sep 18, 2025
Energy

House Republicans Pass Energy Bills to Lower Prices and Secure the Grid

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 3062, the Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act, H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, and H.R. 1047, the GRID Power Act. “Today’s passage of H.R. 3062, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 1047 reflects the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s relentless work to secure American energy dominance. These bills streamline the permitting process for critical cross-border energy projects, restore expert advisory input from the coal industry that the Biden-Harris Administration eliminated, and ensure that electricity grid operators have the tools they need to secure the reliability of the bulk power system. With rising energy demand and growing threats to grid reliability, House Republicans are ensuring the U.S. has the tools to deliver affordable, abundant, and reliable energy,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Thank you to Congresswoman Fedorchak, Congressman Rulli, and Congressman Balderson for their tireless work to strengthen our grid and power our communities.”   H.R. 3062 passed the House by a vote of 224 to 203, H.R. 3015 passed the House by a vote of 217 to 209, and H.R. 1047 passed the House by a vote of 216 to 206.  “Republicans are delivering on our promise to strengthen the grid, create American jobs, and lower energy costs for American families,” said Speaker Johnson. “This week, House Republicans passed three pieces of key legislation to build on the energy provisions within the historic Working Families Tax Cuts and codify President Trump’s Executive Orders to unleash American energy. As Democrats continue to push radical, job-killing, impossible-to-attain green agendas – Republicans are focused on real solutions that grow the economy and put American workers first. Together with President Trump, Republicans in Congress are helping pave the way for a return to American energy dominance.”   “The Keystone XL pipeline should have never been cancelled. Yet on his first day in office, President Biden used the stroke of a pen to shut it down,” said Congresswoman Fedorchak. “By passing my legislation, the House has taken a critical step to end years of regulatory uncertainty and partisan games that have delayed energy infrastructure projects, crushed good-paying jobs, and undermined America’s energy security.” “For decades, the National Coal Council was a powerful voice for coal and a tireless champion for American workers and communities. Coal has reliably fueled our factories, powered our homes, and helped build the greatest economy the world has ever known – it’s ridiculous to neglect it,” said Congressman Rulli. “We need common-sense energy policies that keep coal in the mix, strengthen our grid, and protect good-paying jobs. Codifying the National Coal Council into law ensures that politics doesn’t get in the way of good policy. I’m grateful to House leadership and my colleagues for voting to restore this vital council and secure America’s energy future.”   “With American power demand far outpacing our ability to generate more electricity, our grid is heading toward a reliability crisis,” said Congressman Balderson . “The interconnection queue is overwhelmed and bogged down, leaving shovel-ready power projects waiting for years while demand continues to climb. The GRID Power Act clears the path for the most critical projects, giving grid operators the tools they need to add more dispatchable baseload power—lowering costs for households and businesses while keeping America’s grid reliable.” Background on H.R. 3062, Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act: The expansion of cross-border energy transportation infrastructure—pipelines for oil and natural gas and electric transmission lines—is necessary to ensure our nation’s energy dominance and safeguard our national security. H.R. 3062 replaces the Presidential permit requirement with a more transparent and effective review process by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review applications for cross-border oil and natural gas pipelines, and the Department of Energy to review applications for cross-border transmission facilities. Background on H.R. 3015, National Coal Council Establishment Act: This legislation makes the National Coal Council permanent by removing requirements under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to re-charter every two years, therefore preventing future administrations from disbanding this essential council. While the United States is projected to increase electricity demands by 151 GW over the next ten years, coal fired units are pre-maturely retiring at an alarming rate. Premature retirements of coal fired units are largely driven by federal and state policies designed to intentionally attack their financial viability. Background on H.R.1047, GRID Power Act: The GRID Power Act provides Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators with authority to prioritize energy projects that are ready to bring more baseload power onto the grid immediately, improving grid reliability and resiliency and helping to meet the demand of industrial and household customers alike. Expediting resources that advance reliability provides grid operators with additional tools to re-balance the grid’s resource mix to keep the lights on at affordable prices for all Americans and reverse the legacy effects of the Biden-Harris energy policies that continue to drive prices higher.  ###



Sep 16, 2025
Energy

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Energy Legislative Hearing on Reforming Appliance and Building Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C . – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s legislative hearing on reforming appliance and building policies to lower costs and promote consumer choice. “Welcome to today’s legislative hearing, ‘Appliance and Buildings Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice.’ “Today, we will hear from the Department of Energy and industry stakeholders as we consider 8 bills seeking to address consumer choice, appliance and home affordability, reckless federal building policies, and duplicative regulatory structures. “Many policies pushed over the last several years have raised prices for all consumers, strained our nation’s grid, and yielded little to no benefit for Americans. “That is why the subcommittee will discuss legislation that would have a massive impact on the day-to-day necessities on which American families and businesses rely. “During last week’s hearing, Jim Steffes of Washington Gas said it well when discussing gas bans: “The idea that we are going to push the gas back down the power wire and use it in a less efficient manner than you would use it at home is absolutely going to raise prices.” “Importantly, one of the bills we have on the hearing today, the bipartisan Energy Choice Act will prohibit state or local governments from adopting policies that ban access to an energy service based on the fuel that is sold. This includes building performance standards and codes that act as de facto gas bans. “The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act will repeal the funding included in the IRA which bribed states to adopt the 2021 IECC model code. Today, we will hear first-hand testimony of the chilling effect that has had on home building in those states. “Duplicative standards for manufactured housing have also decreased production of affordable, new housing. As home ownership continues to be a top issue for millions of Americans, we must remove regulatory red tape that has restricted options for families. “The anti-fossil fuel agenda does not stop with state and local laws—federal policies like the required phase out of fossil fuel use in federal buildings could jeopardize our national security. “The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act will repeal this inappropriate policy, and the bipartisan Federal Mechanical Insulation Act will refocus evaluations for federal buildings on the potential for implementing true energy efficiency measures, like the installation of mechanical insulation. “The legislation before us today is focused on restoring consumer choice—especially for America’s working families. The misguided and duplicative policies from the previous administration hit them the hardest because they (1) price out first-time homebuyers; (2) destroy appliance affordability through steep upfront and installation costs; or (3) discourage the production of affordable, manufactured homes through regulatory morass. “The Don’t Mess with my Home Appliances Act will make much-needed statutory reforms to energy efficiency standards for appliances, which have increased in cost while deteriorating in performance because of overregulation. “Lastly, the SHOWER Act will codify a commonsense definition of a showerhead, improving water pressure for those who desire that choice. “We also have included, at our Democratic colleagues’ request, legislation by the gentleman from New York’s 20th district on DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program. While I have concerns with this bill, as introduced, we are willing to work with our Democratic colleagues to see if we can reach a compromise. “Altogether, the majority of the bills before us today represent an opportunity for this Committee to refocus energy efficiency policies on true energy savings, whether reflected in the cost of an appliance or their utility bills, for hard-working American families. “Thank you to our panels of witnesses for your participation.”



Sep 16, 2025
Energy

Energy Subcommittee Holds Legislative Hearing on Reforming Appliance and Building Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a legislative hearing on reforming appliance and building policies in order to reduce costs for American families and promote consumer choice. “Today’s hearing was a victory for Americans who have struggled due to the red tape and regulations created by the Biden-Harris Administration. It’s time to put an end to bureaucratic hurdles that have raised costs and limited choices for working families,” said Chairman Latta. “The legislation our committee discussed will help to reduce energy costs, support consumer choice, and strengthen our electrical grid.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12): “The Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act, which implements necessary reforms to the Energy Policy Conservation Act, to prevent future administrations from issuing burdensome standards on household appliances that would drive up costs and reduce availability. Let's be clear, folks back home want to know why? Why the cost of replacing their air conditioning has increased more than three times in less than five years? And that includes appliances that don't work. I'm glad that we're here to discuss the provisions in my bill.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) : “When I ran for Congress, I never thought that I'd be dealing with these issues. But during the last administration, we saw a complete war on energy production. My legislation, the SHOWER Act, restores common sense by clarifying the definition of a shower head to reflect established industry standards, ensuring that families have access to products that work while still maintaining efficiency where appropriate. This is about protecting homeowners from bureaucratic overreach at its very core.” Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23): “In my home state of New York, families and businesses are being crushed under the weight of Albany's reckless energy mandates. Beginning January 1st of next year, a statewide ban on natural gas hookups in new construction goes into effect, the first of its kind in the entire nation. State leaders have declared war on natural gas and propane, stripping away consumer choice and driving up costs at a time that people can least afford it. These policies aren't just misguided, they're downright dangerous. During Winter Storm Elliot, more than 60, almost 70 New Yorkers froze to death, many in their own homes when the power went out. If this mandate had been in place, forcing families to rely only on the electrical grid, we wouldn't have been looking at dozens of deaths. We'd be into the hundreds, if not the thousands. Mr. Tebbenkamp, from your perspective as a home builder, what are the real world consequences of forcing new homes to rely solely on electricity, both for construction costs and for residents safety during power outages, during extreme weather?” Mr. Tebbenkamp: “I would say it's extremely dangerous. Going all electric raises the cost and limits efficient heating in certain areas of the country...If they were completely reliant on electricity for their home, then as the house cools over a few days there's nothing else they can do. And then you're going to see people probably doing things that are not the smartest in order to try and keep their families warm. That will end up most likely costing families their lives.”



Sep 15, 2025
Press Release

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of September 15th, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding four Subcommittee Hearings and one Full Committee Markup. Read more below. SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing to discuss building and appliance policies that could strengthen consumer choice, lower costs for American families, and make our electric grid more reliable. DATE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025  TIME: 10:15 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment is holding a hearing to discuss permitting reform under the Clean Air Act. DATE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025  TIME: 2:00 PM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP: The Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a markup of seven bills. DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Heath is holding a hearing to discuss legislation that improves seniors’ access to cutting-edge health innovation. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025  TIME: 9:30 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is holding a hearing to discuss permitting reform for enhanced connectivity. DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025  TIME: 2:00 PM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  ###



Sep 10, 2025
Energy

Energy Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Building Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies . “ Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the statutory process for energy efficiency standards is broken. We must reform the process to restore consumer choice, appliance affordability, and true energy savings as the foundation of DOE’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program,” said Chairman Latta . “Everyone here supports true energy efficiency and the benefits it yields to our constituents. However, over the last several years, the focus has clearly strayed from enhancing efficiencies and realizing cost savings. This misdirection has gone well beyond DOE’s energy conservation standards—we have also seen a misalignment of priorities in building codes, performance standards, and state local restrictions on the use of fossil fuels.” Watch the full hearing here .     Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing:   Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14): “There’s no reason why the Department of Energy, or anybody else, should be mandating that Texans have to have a certain efficiency. No two homes are alike. No two homeowners are alike, and we all know our own individualized circumstances and preferences better than any one size fits all regulatory process. And so, with the furnace rule that will take effect in 2028, there are a lot of homes that won’t get the furnace that makes the most sense for them.” Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): “How do decisions by local officials to phase out natural gas use, which may seem like local, isolated decisions, negatively impact consumers and consumers in other regions or other states?” Mr. Steffes: “Thank you, Congressman. This is a straightforward question of supply and demand. For the customers that I serve, a lot of their needs are heating. Natural gas heating, hot water heating, cooking. If you mandate in our communities that no more natural gas will be used, then those customers are going to find another way to provide heating. They’re not going to go without heat. They will use electric heat that will add additional demand to the electricity market. While it’s very difficult to add supply, additional demand without supply increases prices.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “Instead of empowering families, the federal government has been telling the people how long that their dishwashers can operate and what kind of stove they can buy, and even how much water that the showerhead could use. And so, my bill—the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation with Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act— restores some of that common sense. Let’s get back to it. And it’s a core. It’s about protecting families from bureaucratic overreach. We see this time and time again where the ivory tower of Washington, D.C. comes in their infinite wisdom and tells the rest of everybody how to live. Mr. Lieberman, can you describe the whiplash regulations between the last few administrations as they relate to showerhead water flow?” Mr. Lieberman: “Well, actually, the showerhead saga has been going on since 1992. There was the energy policy act of 1992, which originally had these showerhead provisions. Some people don’t like the lower flow. I think it’s quite frankly, a very silly regulation. If the shower is hitting you with too much water, you turn the knob down.”



Sep 9, 2025
Energy

Chairman Latta Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Energy Hearing on Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Building Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies . Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “Welcome to today’s hearing, ‘Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies.’ Thank you to our witnesses for your participation. “Today, we will discuss policies that have raised energy and product prices for American families and business owners, put home ownership out of reach, and jeopardized grid reliability. “Many of these policies have been implemented in the name of energy efficiency. But, the forced electrification from the Left does not equate to increased energy efficiency, and it ignores affordability and consumer choice. “Energy conservation will play an important role in meeting our nation’s growing energy demand, however, consumer choice, affordability, and innovation must be prioritized in the execution of those goals. “Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the statutory process for energy efficiency standards is broken. We must reform the process to restore consumer choice, appliance affordability, and true energy savings as the foundation of DOE’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program. “Everyone here supports true energy efficiency and the benefits it yields to our constituents. However, over the last several years, the focus has clearly strayed from enhancing efficiencies and realizing cost savings. “This misdirection has gone well beyond DOE’s energy conservation standards—we have also seen a misalignment of priorities in building codes, performance standards, and state local restrictions on the use of fossil fuels. “Nowhere is that more reflected than in the cost of homes. Over the last 15 years, home prices have steadily increased, putting the dream of home ownership out of reach for millions of Americans. “Today, more than 80 percent of adults in the United States say housing affordability is a problem in the city or county in which they live, and homeowners now spend 34 percent more on household appliances than in 2010.   “While there are a variety of factors that have contributed to these rising costs, we cannot ignore the impact misguided policies have had. “The Biden administration tied Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to the forced adoption of the 2021 model energy codes, which restricted the use of gas and promoted electrification even if it was not an appropriate choice for consumers. This was done despite their own data that showed homes with natural gas hookups are over 3 times more affordable than electric options. “But the Biden administration didn’t stop there. DOE issued a rule to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in all new and modified federal buildings beginning in 2030. This would have included military installations and housing, some residential buildings, and sites of critical national security importance—like the Pentagon. “Not only would this compromise our security, but the rule would also have actually increased energy usage and added further strain to our nation’s electric grid. “We must strike a healthy balance between utilizing affordable energy and implementing common sense, effective energy conservation measures. “Again, I thank our witnesses for their participation today and look forward to hearing their perspectives.” ###



Sep 9, 2025
Energy

Chairmen Guthrie and Latta Announce Legislative Hearing on Reforming Appliance and Building Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled Appliance and Building Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice . “Throughout this Congress, our Committee has heard testimony from witnesses on how red tape and bureaucratic mandates have led to higher energy costs and fewer options for American families,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “During this legislative hearing, we will examine several bills that support consumer freedom by undoing harmful regulations, reduce costs for Americans, and help strengthen our electric grid by using reliable and affordable baseload power sources.” Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled Appliance and Building Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice. WHAT : Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss building and appliance policies that could strengthen consumer choice, lower costs for American families, and make our electric grid more reliable. DATE : Tuesday, September 16, 2025       TIME : 10:15 AM ET LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building    This hearing will focus on the following bills: H.R. 4626 , Don’t Mess with My Home Appliances Act (Rep. Allen) H.R. 4758 , Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (Rep. Goldman) H.R. 3699 , Energy Choice Act (Rep. Langworthy) H.R. 3474 , Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (Rep. Weber) H.R. 4593 , Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act (Rep. Fry) H.R. 4690 , Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (Rep. Langworthy)   H.R. 5184 , Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act (Rep. Houchin) H.R. 1355 , Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 (Rep. Tonko)  This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov .  



Sep 8, 2025
Energy

Energy and Commerce Weekly Look Ahead: The Week of September 8th, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding two Subcommittee Hearings and one Subcommittee Markup. Read more below. SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is holding a hearing to discuss FirstNet and public safety communications. DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy is holding a hearing to discuss the impact of appliance and building regulations on affordability, consumer choice, and grid reliability. DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 TIME: 2:00 PM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP: The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a markup of several public health reauthorization bills. DATE: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 TIME: 10:15 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building ###



Sep 2, 2025
Press Release

Chairmen Guthrie and Latta Announce Hearing to Examine How Onerous Building and Energy Efficiency Standards Raise Housing Costs and Harm Grid Reliability

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced a hearing titled Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies. “During the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Energy imposed energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings that are inefficient, ineffective, and harmful to consumers,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta . “These standards have initiated cascading effects, leading to rising prices for families, builders, and manufacturers across the country. Heavy-handed, burdensome regulations have contributed to rising housing prices that continue to climb out of reach for would-be buyers, limiting consumer choice and exacerbating housing issues. This hearing will offer our Committee a chance to examine the impact of onerous building and appliance policies on housing affordability, energy costs, and, ultimately, grid reliability for American families.” Subcommittee on Energy hearing titled Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Buildings Policies. WHAT: Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss the impact of appliance and building regulations on affordability, consumer choice, and grid reliability. DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 TIME: 2:00 PM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov .    ###