Energy

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act This bill establishes requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplane flights. It also provides incentives for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative to conventional airplane fuel that is derived from a sustainable feedstock, meets certain aviation standards, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The bill establishes a national goal to reach net zero GHG emissions from flights by 2050. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a low carbon fuel standard for aviation fuels. Under the standard, the EPA must set annual targets to reduce certain GHG emissions associated with aviation fuel by at least 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, as compared to 2005. Beginning in FY2026, the Department of Defense must make a bulk purchase of an amount of SAF that is no less than 10% of the total amount of aviation fuel procured for operational purposes under certain circumstances. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 a grant program of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certain projects concerning SAF or low-emission aviation technology. The bill (1) extends the clean fuel production tax credit for SAF through 2032, and (2) expands an energy investment tax credit to include SAF production property. The bill also expands an FAA research program to include SAF and related topics. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Energy to research the use of crops grown for conservation purposes rather than for sale in the production of SAF.

Uranium for Energy Independence Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2025

Uranium for Energy Independence Act of 2025 This bill includes uranium on the critical minerals list. In 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published a list of critical minerals, including uranium, in response to an executive order that called for a federal strategy to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical minerals. The USGS updates the list every three years and includes certain minerals that are essential to economic or national security and have a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. In 2022, USGS removed uranium from the list. The bill reinstates uranium as a critical mineral and requires uranium to be treated as if it were included on that list at the time of publication.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2026

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2025

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 This bill modifies the Energy Act of 2020 to expand the definition of  critical minerals used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to include  critical materials designated by the Department of Energy (DOE). It also directs USGS to update its list within 45 days of DOE adding a  mineral, element, substance, or material to its critical materials list. Thus, the bill requires the lists to be treated consistently and makes critical materials eligible for the same benefits (e.g., financing support or clean energy tax credits) provided to critical minerals. By way of background, DOE's critical materials list contains certain materials that are essential for energy, including those on the critical minerals list of the USGS. The USGS's list, which contains certain minerals that are essential to the nation's economic or national security, is currently not required to include the materials on DOE's list.

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act This bill exempts certain exploration and production activities from federal oil and gas drilling permit requirements. Generally, the exemption applies to activities on land with (1) a surface estate that the federal government does not own, and (2) an underlying mineral estate only partially owned by the federal government. It does not apply to tribal lands. Specifically, the bill bans the Department of the Interior from requiring a permit under the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) when the federal government does not own or lease the surface estate, and it owns less than 50% of the mineral estate; a well is located on nonfederal land overlying a nonfederal mineral estate, but some portion of the wellbore (i.e., drilled hole) enters and produces oil and gas from the federal mineral estate subject to the lease; or a well is located on nonfederal land overlying a nonfederal mineral estate, but some portion of the wellbore traverses but does not produce oil or gas from the federal mineral estate subject to the lease. The bill also specifies that, in the case of an oil and gas lease on such land, the MLA does not authorize Interior to require a bond to protect nonfederal land, impose mitigation requirements, require approval for surface reclamation, or enter nonfederal land without consent of the landowner. However, lessees of federal mineral estates must authorize Interior to enter nonfederal land for inspection and enforcement of the terms of the federal lease.

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act This bill exempts certain oil and gas exploration and production activities from permit and environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to activities conducted on nonfederal surface estates located on partially federally-held mineral rights. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from requiring an operator to obtain a federal drilling permit under the Mineral Leasing Act for oil and gas exploration and production activities conducted on a nonfederal surface estate if (1) less than 50% of the subsurface mineral estate to be accessed by the proposed action is federally owned, and (2) the operator submits to the BLM a state permit to conduct such activities on the nonfederal surface estate. Those activities are not considered to be a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and thus are exempt from environmental review requirements under NEPA. Further, those activities are exempt from requirements for federal actions under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill does not apply to Indian lands.

Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This resolution provides for the consideration of three measures.  Specifically, it provides for the consideration of H.J. Res. 20, nullifying the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters ; H.J. Res. 35, nullifying the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions ; and H.Con.Res. 14, establishing the congressional budget for FY2025 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2026 through FY2034.

IMPACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act or the IMPACT Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a temporary program that supports advanced production of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt. Specifically, the program must support research, development, and commercial application of production processes for low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt that are more cost-effective, durable, or resource-efficient (i.e., advanced production). The program must particularly focus on carbon capture technologies, energy-efficient processes, research involving novel materials, and other specified technologies and innovative processes. DOE must select entities to implement relevant demonstration projects; eligible entities include government, nonprofit, educational, and private sector entities. DOE may terminate these projects if it determines that sufficient amounts of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt that are produced through advanced production are commercially available at reasonable prices. The program terminates seven years after the bill is enacted.

International Nuclear Energy Financing Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 This bill provides statutory authority for federal agencies to expedite the environmental review of certain mining infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill permanently makes certain mining infrastructure projects eligible for expedited environmental review under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). This provides statutory authority for similar authorities that were included in the rule titled Adding Mining as a Sector of Projects Eligible for Coverage Under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act  and issued by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) on January 8, 2021. The bill also prohibits the Permitting Council from finalizing its proposed rule titled  Revising Scope of the Mining Sector of Projects That Are Eligible for Coverage Under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act and issued on September 22, 2023. Among other modifications, the rule proposes to limit the types of mining projects that are eligible for the expedited environmental review process. Specifically, the proposed rule limits the expedited process to critical minerals mining projects.

Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to submit and publish online semiannual reports on the status of certain clean energy demonstration projects that are managed or supported by DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.

Energy Resilient Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program Act This bill repeals grant programs that provide funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and alternative fueling infrastructure. Specifically, the bill repeals the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under which the Department of Transportation provides grants for acquiring and installing publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle. It also repeals the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program under which the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides grants for deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure and establishing a network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. In addition, the bill rescinds unobligated funds that were provided to the FHWA for the program and prohibits funds from being used to carry out the program. 

RESEARCH SECURITY RISKS POSED BY FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM COUNTRIES OF RISK WORKING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S NATIONAL LABORATORIES AND NECESSARY MITIGATION STEPS

United States · United States Senate · 20 February 2025

Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act This bill repeals grant programs that provide funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and alternative fueling infrastructure. Specifically, the bill repeals the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program under which the Department of Transportation provides grants for acquiring and installing publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle. It also repeals the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program under which the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides grants for deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure and establishing a network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. In addition, the bill rescinds unobligated funds that were provided to the FHWA for the program and prohibits funds from being used to carry out the program. 

Know Your Rates Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2025

Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025 This bill revises the duties of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors to include holding public meetings at least four times each year. The board must provide public notice at least six days before such a meeting, unless the meeting is designated as an emergency. TVA, a federally owned electric utility corporation, provides low-cost electricity in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It also provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system. 

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2025

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the bill authorizes DOE and NASA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NASA may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., dark matter), develop ways to support large voluntary data sets on space and aeronautical information, promote multi-agency data sharing, and support NASA's access to DOE research infrastructure. DOE and NASA must jointly report on their collaboration.

America First Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2025

America First Energy Act This bill places certain restrictions on board members and employees of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation of the Department of Energy (DOE). The foundation is an independent, agency-related foundation that assists DOE in addressing energy and environmental challenges through science and technology solutions, including by accelerating the development and commercialization of critical energy technologies and fostering public-private partnerships.  Specifically, the bill requires the foundation's voting board members, executive director, officers, and employees to be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) admitted as refugees, or non-U.S. nationals lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Finally, the bill directs the foundation to require covered individuals listed on an application for a research and development award from the foundation to disclose all current and pending research support received or expected to be received by the individuals. Covered individuals  means individuals who (1) contribute in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with an award from the foundation; and (2) are designated as a covered individual by the foundation.

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 This bill modifies and reauthorizes various Department of Energy (DOE) programs related to quantum research and development and establishes several new, related research programs. Specifically, the bill expands the scope of DOE’s quantum information science research program to include research, development, and demonstration on quantum information science, engineering, and technology. Among other requirements, DOE must (1) establish an early-stage research and development program in high-performance quantum computing; (2) study quantum science, engineering, and technology supply chain needs; and (3) establish a university-led trainee program to address quantum workforce development needs. The bill also reauthorizes the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers and the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program through FY2030. Further, the bill modifies DOE’s quantum network infrastructure program to require research related to the development of (1) quantum network and entanglement distribution protocols or applications, and (2) high-efficiency room-temperature photon detectors for quantum photonic applications. Finally, the bill establishes an instrumentation and infrastructure program to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology; develop domestic quantum supply chains; and provide resources for the broader scientific community. In carrying out the program, DOE must develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. In coordination with industry and institutions of higher education, DOE must support the development of quantum foundries focused on meeting the device, hardware, software, and materials needs of the scientific community and the quantum supply chain.

Critical Materials Future Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Unearth Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and modifies the Weatherization Assistance Program. Under the program, the Department of Energy (DOE) provides grants for low-income households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The bill increases the cap on the average assistance provided per home from $6,500 to $12,000. The bill also directs DOE to include in its annual report to Congress a description of the impacts of enhancement and innovation readiness efforts on eligibility for assistance under the program.

Vehicle Energy Performance Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Vehicle Energy Performance Act of 2025 This bill creates a refundable tax credit for the purchase of a new (2027 model year or later) qualified high energy performance motor vehicle. The bill also modifies the calculation of the excise tax on the sale by a manufacturer or importer of a fuel-inefficient vehicle (known as the gas guzzler tax). The amount of the tax credit for a new qualified high energy performance motor vehicle is based on a vehicle’s energy performance in the current and prior model year in comparison with the median and best vehicle energy performance overall in the prior model year, up to a maximum of $5,000. To qualify for the tax credit, the vehicle must be a passenger automobile or light truck with a greater than median energy performance (based on miles per gallon-gas equivalent) as compared to the same passenger automobile or light truck for the prior model year. (Conditions apply.) The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to publish the median and best vehicle energy performance for the model year based on information reported by vehicle manufacturers. Finally, the bill modifies the gas guzzler excise tax so that the amount is based on a vehicle’s energy performance in the current and prior model year in comparison with the median and best vehicle energy performance overall in the prior model year. (Currently, the gas guzzler tax is imposed on vehicles that do not meet a fuel efficiency standard of at least 22.5 miles per gallon.)

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement. The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions. Research and development activities may include collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, biofuels and biobased products, grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention; developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information; supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural GAS Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Natural Gas Appliances Standards Act of 2025 or the Natural GAS Act of 2025 This bill limits what the Department of Energy (DOE) may include in future energy conservation rules related to water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and kitchen cooktops, ranges, and ovens. Energy conservation rules establish standards that set minimum energy efficiency levels or maximum energy usage for certain consumer products, such as appliances. Specifically, the bill requires DOE to certify that the rules are not likely to result in a significant shift from gas appliances to electric appliances. As part of the rulemaking process, DOE must require a full fuel cycle analysis for energy efficiency standards. In addition to measuring energy use at the site where the appliance is operated, a full fuel cycle analysis estimates the energy consumed in the extraction, processing, and transport of primary fuels; energy losses in thermal combustion in power-generation plants; and energy losses in transmission and distribution to homes and commercial buildings. Further, such rules must require energy efficiency labels to disclose the full-fuel-cycle efficiency. Currently, the labels only disclose point-of-use energy consumption, which is based on the amount of energy used at the site where the appliance is operated. In addition, the bill exempts certain small major household appliance manufacturers from future energy conservation rules for such appliances. The bill also prohibits any future energy conservation rule relating to kitchen cooktops, ranges, and ovens from limiting the features and functionality (e.g., quick-to-boil times) available on residential gas kitchen cooktops, ranges, and ovens.

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.

Fair SHARE Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles Act of 2025 This bill imposes a new excise tax in the amount of $1,000 on the sale of an electric vehicle and a new excise tax in the amount of $550 on the sale of a battery module weighing over 1,000 pounds for use in an electric vehicle. The bill also requires the Department of the Treasury to transfer amounts collected from the new excise taxes to the Highway Trust Fund. (The Highway Trust Fund, which supports surface transportation programs and projects, is funded by transportation-related excise taxes.) The bill defines electric vehicle as a light-duty vehicle (a motor vehicle weighing less than 8,500 pounds that is manufactured for use on public roads) that is powered by a battery with a capacity of at least seven kilowatt hours and is recharged through an external source of electricity. Under the bill, the excise tax does not apply to hybrid vehicles, which are powered by a combination of fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system. The bill defines battery module as a module with two or more battery cells configured to create voltage or current (or no battery cells) and with an aggregate capacity of at least seven kilowatt hours (or one kilowatt hour for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle). 

Strengthening the Quad Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Strengthening the Quad Act This bill directs the Department of State to seek to establish a working group with Japan, Australia, and India to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values. (The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, also known as the Quad, is a coalition comprised of the United States and these three countries.) The bill also requires the State Department to report to Congress a strategy for bolstering engagement and cooperation with the Quad. The strategy shall summarize current and past Quad initiatives, including those to promote broad-based and inclusive economic growth, technology cooperation, energy innovation, and resilient supply chains. The strategy shall also recommend (1) how Congress can help address certain barriers to implementing and expanding Quad cooperation, (2) new authorities needed to strengthen U.S. leadership in and contributions to Quad initiatives, and (3) additional resources needed to expand successful initiatives.

PANELS Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Protect Agriculture, Nutrients, and Essential Lands from Solar Act or the PANELS Act This bill excludes expenses for solar property placed in service on prime or unique farmland from the energy investment tax credit. The bill also excludes solar facilities placed on prime or unique farmland from the clean electricity production tax credit. Under current law, businesses may be able to claim an energy investment tax credit for qualified solar property placed into service before January 1, 2025. This bill excludes expenses for solar property placed into service on prime or unique farmland (e.g., land with the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for the production of food and other related uses) from the energy investment tax credit. Further, under current law, a business may also be able to claim the clean electricity production tax credit for the production of electricity using a qualified facility that has no greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of the tax credit is based on the amount of electricity produced and sold by a qualified facility placed into service in 2025 or after. This bill modifies the definition of qualified facility to exclude solar facilities placed on prime or unique farmland.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior relating to "Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf-High Pressure High Temperature Updates".

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Fair SHARE Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Fair Sharing of Highways and Roads for Electric Vehicles Act of 2025 This bill imposes a new excise tax in the amount of $1,000 on the sale of an electric vehicle and a new excise tax in the amount of $550 on the sale of a battery module weighing over 1,000 pounds for use in an electric vehicle. The bill also requires the Department of the Treasury to transfer amounts collected from the new excise taxes to the Highway Trust Fund. (The Highway Trust Fund, which supports surface transportation programs and projects, is funded by transportation-related excise taxes.) The bill defines electric vehicle as a light-duty vehicle (a motor vehicle weighing less than 8,500 pounds that is manufactured for use on public roads) that is powered by a battery with a capacity of at least seven kilowatt hours and is recharged through an external source of electricity. Under the bill, the excise tax does not apply to hybrid vehicles, which are powered by a combination of fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system. The bill defines battery module as a module with two or more battery cells configured to create voltage or current (or no battery cells) and with an aggregate capacity of at least seven kilowatt hours (or one kilowatt hour for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle). 

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment".

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the  Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment  rule published by the Department of Energy (DOE) on October 9, 2024. Under the rule, DOE modified its regulations on the energy efficiency of certain types of consumer products (e.g., washing machines and dishwashers) and industrial equipment (e.g., computer room air conditioners). Specifically, it modified certification requirements, labeling requirements, and enforcement provisions for these products and equipment to (1) align reporting requirements with currently applicable energy conservation standards and test procedures, and (2) provide DOE with the information necessary to determine the appropriate classification of products for the application of standards. 

Restoring Energy Dominance: The Path To Unleashing American Offshore Energy

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 February 2025

Financing Our Energy Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

Financing Our Energy Future Act This bill allows a publicly traded partnership to derive income from certain clean energy-related activities and still be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As background, a publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market (or readily tradable on a secondary market). A publicly traded partnership generally is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of such partnership’s gross income is qualifying income. Under current law, qualifying income includes  interest and dividends; real property rents; gain from the sale (or disposition) of real property; income from certain activities related to minerals and natural resources, source carbon dioxide, and the transportation or storage of certain fuels; and gain from the sale (or disposition) of a capital asset or commodities. Under the bill, the qualifying income is expanded to include income derived from   electric power (or thermal energy) generated from renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar energy), qualified gasification projects, or advanced nuclear facilities; accepting or processing open-loop biomass or municipal solid waste (by certain facilities); the storage of electric power or thermal energy using certain energy storage technology; the generation, storage, or distribution of electric power (or thermal energy) using combined heat and power system property; fuels that use certain carbon oxides as primary feedstock; certain renewable chemicals; transportation or storage of liquefied or compressed hydrogen; the conversion of renewable biomass; and certain carbon capture and sequestration facilities.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

Federal Lands and Waters Leasing Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

Federal Lands and Waters Leasing Transparency Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to provide explanations to the highest bidders when it rejects their bids for certain offshore oil and gas leases. The bill also prohibits courts from invalidating or delaying certain onshore and offshore oil and gas leases. When Interior determines that the federal government will not receive the fair market value for offshore lease tracts on submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf from the highest bidder, then Interior must provide a report to the bidder that explains the basis for the determination. If the bid was subject to a resource and economic evaluation, the report must include information on how the bid compares to specified valuation metrics. These requirements apply to lease sales in which Interior received at least one bid and did not issue a lease to the highest bidder. Additionally, courts may not prevent Interior from issuing certain onshore oil and gas leases by a 60-day statutory deadline unless the lease would violate federal law. Further, the bill prohibits civil actions that challenge certain offshore oil and gas lease sales from (1) invalidating leases issued under such sales; and (2) delaying the consideration of plans, documents, or applications for a federal authorization or approval of activities for a lease. If a court finds that the sale was not carried out in compliance with federal law, the court must (1) remand the matter to Interior, and (2) direct Interior to correct the noncompliance. 

Stop CCP Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2025

Stop China’s Continuous Purchase of Land Act or the Stop CCP Land Act This bill requires states that receive certain federal program funds to restrict the purchase of agricultural land by a covered foreign country.  Covered foreign country means a country included in Department of State regulations as subject to certain prohibitions (i.e., Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela), as well as Russia. Specifically, a state may not receive funds for certain programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (e.g., certain energy efficiency and conservation programs) unless that state has a law prohibiting a covered foreign country (or persons acting on behalf of the country) from purchasing agricultural land in the state. Further, a state must require that a person from a covered foreign country that holds agricultural land in the state prior to the state law's enactment submit an annual report to the state on the agricultural holdings. The Department of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress on how the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 should be updated to ensure accurate documentation and monitoring of foreign investment in agricultural land. The Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that includes (1) an assessment of this bill's impact on national security, and (2) any measures that can be taken to better secure U.S. real estate from foreign manipulation. 

Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2025

Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act This bill allows farmers to defer taxes on gain from the sale or exchange of livestock because of a fire. (Conditions apply.) The bill also allows individuals to exclude from gross income (for tax purposes) certain disaster relief payments received in connection with specific Texas wildfires. Currently, farmers may defer gain on the sale or exchange of livestock (other than poultry) held for draft, breeding, or dairy purposes due to drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions for two years (four years if attributable to a federally-declared disaster). Otherwise, under current law, gain on the sale of livestock (including poultry) due to such weather-related conditions attributable to a federally-declared disaster may be deferred for one year. (Conditions apply.) The bill adds fire to the list of circumstances for which the gain on the sale or exchange of livestock may be deferred, thus allowing farmers to defer such gains for up to four years (depending on the type of livestock and whether the sale is attributable to a federally-declared disaster). The bill also allows individuals to exclude from gross income payments received from federal, state, or local government agencies or Xcel Energy (or any subsidiary, insurer, or agent of Xcel Energy) as compensation for unreimbursed losses, damages, and certain expenses attributable to the Smokehouse Creek, 687 Reamer, and Roughneck Fires (Hutchinson County, Texas, February and March 2024); Windy Deuce Fire (Moore County, Texas, February 2024); and Grape Vine Creek Fire (Gray County, Texas, February 2024).

Expressing continued support for the people of Puerto Rico, and urging the Federal Government to expedite the rebuilding of Puerto Rico's electrical grid.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2025

Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2025

Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2025

Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act This bill allows farmers to defer taxes on gain from the sale or exchange of livestock because of a fire. (Conditions apply.) The bill also allows individuals to exclude from gross income (for tax purposes) certain disaster relief payments received in connection with specific Texas wildfires. Currently, farmers may defer gain on the sale or exchange of livestock (other than poultry) held for draft, breeding, or dairy purposes due to drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions for two years (four years if attributable to a federally-declared disaster). Otherwise, under current law, gain on the sale of livestock (including poultry) due to such weather-related conditions attributable to a federally-declared disaster may be deferred for one year. (Conditions apply.) The bill adds fire to the list of circumstances for which the gain on the sale or exchange of livestock may be deferred, thus allowing farmers to defer such gains for up to four years (depending on the type of livestock and whether the sale is attributable to a federally-declared disaster). The bill also allows individuals to exclude from gross income payments received from federal, state, or local government agencies or Xcel Energy (or any subsidiary, insurer, or agent of Xcel Energy) as compensation for unreimbursed losses, damages, and certain expenses attributable to the Smokehouse Creek, 687 Reamer, and Roughneck Fires (Hutchinson County, Texas, February and March 2024); Windy Deuce Fire (Moore County, Texas, February 2024); and Grape Vine Creek Fire (Gray County, Texas, February 2024).

POWER Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2025

SMARTER Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2025

Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act or the SMARTER Act This bill requires nonregulated utilities and state regulators of utilities to consider implementing a standard to prohibit electric utilities from recovering costs relating to the deployment of any smart grid system from their consumers. It also repeals the current requirement for states to consider authorizing electric utilities to recover costs relating to the deployment of certain smart grid systems from their consumers. Within a year, each nonregulated utility and state regulatory authority must consider adopting the prohibition. Within two years, they must determine whether or not to implement the prohibition. However, the deadlines do not apply if a state has already considered or implemented a comparable standard.

Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act This bill increases payments states receive for specified revenue generated from oil, gas, geothermal steam, coal, and certain other natural resources on onshore federal land. Specifically, the bill eliminates the 2% administrative fee that the Bureau of Land Management currently deducts from a state's payment for such natural resources developed within the state.

GRID Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act or the GRID Power Act This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue and periodically review a rule that revises the approval process for interconnection requests of generating units that produce electricity to prioritize dispatchable power projects (e.g., certain fossil fuel projects).  Under the bill, d ispatchable power generally refers to an electric energy generation resource, such as a generating unit that produces electricity from fossil fuels, capable of providing known and forecastable electric supply in time intervals necessary to ensure grid reliability. Currently, FERC receives interconnection requests from those projects and other generating units, such as units that produce electricity from renewable energy. Interconnection requests are requests from generating units to connect to the high voltage transmission lines of the electric grid. First, the rule must address the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing procedures for processing interconnection requests to ensure that new dispatchable power projects that improve grid reliability and resource adequacy can interconnect to the electric grid quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably.  Second, the rule must revise the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures, and the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement as appropriate, to authorize transmission providers to submit proposals to FERC to prioritize new dispatchable power projects that will improve grid reliability and resource adequacy by assigning those projects higher positions in the interconnection queue of the provider. FERC must review and approve or deny such proposals within 60 days after the proposal is submitted.

CIRCUIT Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers Act or the CIRCUIT Act This bill expands the advanced manufacturing production tax credit to include up to 10% of the cost to produce transformers that have an input voltage of 34.5 kilovolts or less, have an output voltage of 600 volts or less, and are rated for operation at a frequency of 60 hertz (i.e., distribution transformers). As background, the advanced manufacturing production tax credit (part of the general business tax credit) allows a tax credit for certain component parts (e.g., battery cells, solar modules, and inverters) and critical minerals (e.g., aluminum, lithium, and nickel) that are produced in the United States or a U.S. possession and sold generally to an unrelated third party for use in clean energy equipment. (Some exceptions apply.)

STEAM Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms Act or the STEAM Act This bill expedites the environmental review of certain geothermal energy activities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include certain geothermal exploration or development activities in an existing categorical exclusion from NEPA for certain oil or gas activities.  A categorical exclusion applies to a class of actions that do not require an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement under NEPA. The categorical exclusion established by the bill applies to drilling a geothermal well (1) in an area where drilling has occurred previously within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins; or (2) within a developed field for which an approved land use plan or environmental document prepared under NEPA determined drilling to be a reasonably foreseeable activity, so long as the plan or document was approved within the five years prior to the date when drilling begins.

Supporting Made in America Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2025

Supporting Made in America Energy Act This bill requires oil and natural gas lease sales that include certain public land and waters, prohibits lease sales in other areas, and establishes related requirements. Beginning in FY2025, the Department of the Interior must conduct a minimum of four onshore lease sales annually in each state that has federal land available for oil and natural gas leasing. If a lease sale is canceled, delayed, or deferred, Interior must conduct a replacement sale during the same year.  Beginning in FY2026, Interior must conduct a minimum of two offshore, region-wide lease sales annually in the Gulf of Mexico Region of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) by specified dates. The sales must include the Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area. Interior must also conduct a minimum of six offshore lease sales of at least 1 million acres each over a 10-year period in the Cook Inlet Planning Area. The bill sets a 12.5% royalty rate for such leases. Interior must plan and approve the subsequent OCS oil and gas leasing programs by specified deadlines. The bill extends through 2035 a moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain eastern and central portions of the Gulf of Mexico and expands the moratorium to include the South Atlantic Planning Area and the Straits of Florida Planning Area. The bill also requires the President to obtain congressional approval before impeding or circumventing certain federal energy mineral leasing processes.