OCED Elimination Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4172
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T08:05:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "OCED Elimination Act," aims to eliminate the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). OCED was established to support and fund demonstration projects for innovative clean energy technologies, such as carbon capture and renewable energy systems. By abolishing it, the bill seeks to remove this specific administrative structure and its associated authorities.
Key Provisions
- Abolishment of OCED: The bill directly abolishes the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations within the DOE, effectively dissolving its operations and responsibilities.
- Repeal of Authorizing Law: It repeals Section 41201 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58, codified at 42 U.S.C. 18861), which originally created OCED and allocated funding for clean energy demonstration projects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill reverses provisions from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by eliminating the legal basis for OCED's existence.
- It removes federal authority and funding mechanisms specifically tied to OCED, potentially halting ongoing or planned clean energy demonstration initiatives without replacing them with alternative structures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOE would lose a dedicated office for clean energy projects, requiring reassignment of any remaining staff, resources, or unfinished work to other DOE divisions. This could streamline the department's structure but reduce focused efforts on clean energy innovation.
- On Citizens: Individuals and communities benefiting from OCED-funded projects (e.g., job creation in renewable energy or reduced emissions in pilot programs) may face disruptions, potentially slowing progress on environmental goals like climate change mitigation.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could signal a U.S. shift away from federal support for clean energy demonstrations, affecting collaborations with international partners on global climate initiatives.
- Broader effects might include reduced federal investment in clean technologies, influencing energy markets and environmental outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Energy (DOE): Directly impacted as the parent agency, facing organizational changes and potential budget reallocations.
- Clean Energy Industry and Innovators: Companies, researchers, and startups relying on OCED grants for technology demonstrations could lose funding opportunities.
- Environmental and Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on climate action may oppose the abolition, viewing it as a setback to green energy progress.
- Taxpayers and Congress: Sponsors (e.g., Representatives from Texas and other states) represent interests in reducing federal spending on certain energy programs; broader congressional oversight could influence future energy policy.
- State and Local Governments: Regions hosting OCED projects might experience economic ripple effects, such as job losses or delayed infrastructure improvements.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is a straightforward repeal and abolishment, relying on Congress's authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution to legislate and appropriate funds. It does not require executive action beyond implementation, but any ongoing contracts or obligations under OCED might need judicial clarification if challenged.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to create and dissolve federal offices, avoiding separation-of-powers issues since it targets a statutorily created entity rather than a constitutionally mandated one.
- Political: Introduced by Republican members in the 119th Congress (2025-2026), it reflects debates over federal spending on climate initiatives versus fiscal restraint. Passage could intensify partisan divides on energy policy, potentially setting a precedent for targeting other offices created under recent infrastructure laws.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- OCED Elimination Act — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (2 pages)