Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4339
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-10: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, 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
- 2026-04-03T14:46:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act (H.R. 4339) aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency in U.S. territories by creating a federal grant program. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to fund projects that reduce dependence on non-renewable energy, while also requiring a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess opportunities for energy improvements in these areas.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Establishment: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture must create a program to award grants to eligible not-for-profit organizations (called "covered entities") for renewable energy projects in U.S. territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Allowed Grant Uses:
- Building or developing renewable energy systems (e.g., solar or wind power).
- Activities to boost energy efficiency, such as better insulation or efficient appliances.
- Creating energy storage systems (e.g., batteries) to support renewable energy or efficiency efforts.
- Developing smart grids (advanced electrical networks that use digital technology to manage power more efficiently and reliably) or microgrids (localized power systems that can operate independently from the main grid during outages).
- Training local residents to build, maintain, or operate these systems.
- Restrictions: Grants cannot fund facilities that produce electricity from fossil fuels (like coal or oil) or nuclear power.
- Technical Support: The Department of Energy's national laboratories (government research facilities focused on energy science) must offer technical help to grant recipients.
- Reporting Requirements: The Secretary of Agriculture must submit annual reports to Congress starting two years after the program's launch, covering funds spent, energy savings achieved, implementation challenges, and suggestions for further laws to expand renewable energy in territories.
- GAO Study: Within 180 days of enactment, the GAO (an independent agency that audits government operations) must study renewable energy potential in territories and report to Congress on findings and recommendations, including ways to upgrade power systems, expand microgrids, and enhance energy reliability during disruptions.
- Funding: Authorizes "such sums as necessary" for the grant program and $1.5 million specifically for the GAO study.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new grant program under the Department of Agriculture, which does not previously exist specifically for renewable energy in U.S. territories. It builds on existing definitions from laws like the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (for renewable energy) and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (for national laboratories) but creates fresh mechanisms for funding and technical assistance tailored to territorial needs. No direct amendments to prior laws are specified.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Agriculture gains new responsibilities for administering grants and reporting, while the Department of Energy provides support through its labs. The GAO conducts a one-time study, potentially influencing future federal energy policies.
- On Citizens: Residents of U.S. territories could benefit from more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, reducing vulnerability to power outages (common in island areas due to storms or isolation) and creating local jobs through training and construction projects.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly strengthen U.S. energy independence in territories near international waters, aligning with global climate goals without affecting foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Covered Entities: Not-for-profit organizations in territories eligible to apply for and receive grants.
- Residents and Communities: People in Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, who gain access to cleaner energy and training opportunities.
- Government Entities: U.S. Department of Agriculture (program oversight), Department of Energy (technical aid), GAO (study), and Congress (receives reports and recommendations).
- Energy Sector: Local utilities, renewable energy developers, and trainers involved in project implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill ensures compliance with existing energy definitions to avoid conflicts with federal statutes. Grant limitations prevent funding for non-renewable sources, promoting environmental standards without mandating them.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it exercises Congress's authority under the Territory Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to govern U.S. territories and appropriate funds for public welfare.
- Political: Encourages equitable federal support for often-overlooked territories, potentially fostering bipartisan interest in climate resilience and disaster recovery (e.g., post-hurricane rebuilding). The involvement of multiple committees (Agriculture, Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce) suggests broad jurisdictional review, but it does not address broader debates on territorial status or funding equity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-10: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2025-07-10: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2025-07-10: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2025-07-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (6 pages)