Energy Choice Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3699

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 412.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T20:41:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699) aims to prevent state and local governments from restricting access to energy services based on the type or source of energy, such as fossil fuels, natural gas, or renewables. It promotes free market choice in energy delivery by limiting government interference that favors or disfavors specific energy types.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Restrictions: States, local governments, or their agencies cannot adopt, implement, or enforce any laws, regulations, ordinances, building codes, standards, or policies that prohibit or limit the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, expansion, or access to energy services.
• Scope of Application: The restrictions apply specifically to energy services sold in interstate commerce (meaning energy crossing state lines) and delivered to end-users, such as homes or businesses.
• Broad Coverage: The ban includes any measures that directly or indirectly have the effect of limiting energy services based on the energy type or source.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a new federal limitation on state and local authority over energy infrastructure, overriding existing state-level policies that might prioritize certain energy sources (e.g., bans on natural gas hookups or mandates for electric-only buildings).
• It does not amend specific prior laws but preempts (takes precedence over) conflicting state and local regulations, shifting regulatory power toward federal oversight in this area.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Federal agencies like the Department of Energy may see increased involvement in enforcing compliance, while state and local energy regulators could face legal challenges or reduced flexibility in promoting environmental goals.
• On Citizens: End-users (e.g., homeowners or businesses) gain broader access to preferred energy options, potentially lowering costs for traditional energy sources but possibly slowing transitions to cleaner alternatives.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect U.S. energy trade by ensuring reliable distribution of domestically produced or imported energy sources like natural gas.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Energy Providers: Utilities, natural gas companies, and renewable energy firms benefit from reduced barriers to infrastructure expansion.
• Consumers and Businesses: Individuals and industries relying on specific energy types (e.g., heating with gas) are protected from local bans.
• State and Local Governments: Environmental agencies and municipalities lose authority to enforce energy-specific restrictions, potentially complicating local climate initiatives.
• Environmental Groups: Organizations advocating for reduced fossil fuel use may oppose it, as it could hinder efforts to phase out certain energy sources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Raises federalism concerns under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause (which gives Congress power over interstate commerce), as it limits state powers traditionally reserved under the 10th Amendment (states' rights). Could lead to lawsuits challenging the bill's scope or enforcement.
• Constitutional: Balances interstate commerce protections against state sovereignty, potentially setting a precedent for federal intervention in local energy policies.
• Political: Likely to spark debate along partisan lines, with supporters viewing it as pro-market and energy independence-focused, while critics see it as undermining local environmental protections. The bill's broad bipartisan sponsorship in the House suggests potential for passage but faces Senate hurdles.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

Cosponsors (157)

Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2] and 107 more

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 412.
• 2026-02-04: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-482.
• 2026-02-04: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-482.
• 2025-12-03: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 21.
• 2025-12-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-11-19: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2025-11-19: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-06-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
• 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Energy Choice Act — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (2 pages)
• Energy Choice Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (4 pages)