BIRD Energy and U.S.-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 2280
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-21: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security, 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.
Last Updated: 2025-04-08T08:06:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The BIRD Energy and U.S.-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to expand and reauthorize cooperative efforts between the United States and Israel in energy research and development. It builds on existing programs to promote joint innovation in clean energy technologies, addressing shared challenges like energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.

Key Provisions

Findings Section: Recognizes the role of the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Energy Foundation, established in 2009, in fostering U.S.-Israel collaboration on energy projects. It highlights benefits such as commercializing clean technologies, creating jobs, and advancing fields like cybersecurity for energy systems, renewable energy, energy storage, and fossil fuels.
Funding Extensions and Increases:
Authorizes $5 million annually for cooperative research under the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (up from $2 million), covering fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Authorizes $7 million annually for the U.S.-Israel Energy Center under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (up from $4 million), also for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Expanded Cooperation Categories: Adds new focus areas to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, including:
Hydrogen energy.
Fusion energy.
Industrial decarbonization (reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing).
Carbon management (strategies to capture and store carbon dioxide).
Agrivoltaics (combining solar energy with agriculture).
Grid modernization (upgrading electrical networks for efficiency and reliability).
Cybersecurity for energy infrastructure.
Overall Reauthorization: Extends the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation program through 2035.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Increases annual funding levels for both the cooperative research program and the Energy Center by 150% ($3 million more each), providing sustained financial support beyond previous one-year authorizations ending in fiscal year 2021.
Expands the scope of eligible energy cooperation by adding seven new categories to the existing list in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, shifting focus toward emerging technologies like fusion and hydrogen while emphasizing decarbonization and security.
Extends the program's authorization from 2024 to 2035, ensuring long-term stability compared to prior short-term renewals.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: U.S. agencies like the Department of Energy and Department of State may see increased coordination responsibilities for joint projects, potentially requiring more administrative resources but fostering expertise in bilateral energy initiatives.
Citizens: Could lead to job creation in energy sectors, access to innovative technologies (e.g., cleaner energy sources), and enhanced energy security, benefiting U.S. workers and consumers through economic growth and reduced reliance on foreign energy.
International Relations: Strengthens the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership by promoting shared technological advancements, potentially improving diplomatic ties and positioning both nations as leaders in global clean energy transitions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. and Israeli Governments: Primary beneficiaries through funded agencies and diplomatic channels.
Energy Companies and Innovators: U.S. and Israeli firms involved in research, development, and commercialization of energy technologies, gaining funding and collaboration opportunities.
Researchers and Academia: Scientists and institutions focused on renewables, cybersecurity, and decarbonization, with access to expanded joint programs.
Citizens and Economy: Broader populations in both countries, particularly in energy-dependent industries, through job creation and technological advancements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Amends multiple existing laws (e.g., Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014) without introducing new enforcement mechanisms, maintaining compliance with international agreements on research cooperation. No apparent conflicts with U.S. trade or export laws.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate foreign commerce and appropriate funds, supporting executive branch foreign policy without infringing on separation of powers.
Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for U.S.-Israel relations (evident from diverse bill sponsors), potentially influencing future foreign aid and energy policy debates by prioritizing clean energy innovation amid global climate goals. No major controversies noted in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]

Cosponsors (17)

Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Recent Actions

2025-03-21: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-03-21: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-03-21: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security, 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.
2025-03-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
2025-03-21: Introduced in House
2025-03-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

BIRD Energy and U.S.-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (4 pages)