Future Generations Protection Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5489

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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

2025-11-18T18:00:51Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 5489: Future Generations Protection Act

Purpose

The legislation aims to address the climate crisis by restricting fossil fuel use and emissions. It seeks to transition the U.S. energy sector away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources, while emphasizing a fair shift for workers and communities affected by these changes. The bill promotes environmental justice, racial and gender equity, and partnerships with labor unions to support clean-energy job training.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Power Plants:
• Amends the Clean Air Act to ban any emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from new electric utility steam generating units—large power plants typically fueled by coal or other fossil fuels—starting on the date the bill becomes law.
• Defines GHGs to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain synthetic gases; allows the EPA Administrator to add others that significantly contribute to global warming.
• Treats violations as breaches of existing air quality standards.
• Restrictions on LNG Terminals and Natural Gas Infrastructure:
• Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from approving new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals or issuing permits for natural gas pipelines unless the project demonstrably reduces overall GHG emissions.
• Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking):
• Outlaws fracking—a process that injects high-pressure fluids into rock formations to extract oil or gas—on all U.S. onshore and offshore lands, effective January 1, 2029.
• Excludes certain enhanced recovery techniques, like water flooding, that stimulate existing wells without fracturing rock.
• Ban on Exports of Crude Oil and Natural Gas:
• Prohibits exporting domestically produced crude oil, natural gas, LNG, and related liquids, with narrow exceptions for transportation efficiency (e.g., swaps with Canada or Mexico or temporary cross-border shipments).
• Requires presidential approval for any exceptions via the Secretary of Commerce.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Clean Air Act Amendment: Inserts a new section (111A) that imposes a strict zero-emission standard for new fossil fuel-based power plants, going beyond current performance standards that allow limited emissions.
• Natural Gas Act Revisions: Removes provisions allowing unrestricted exports of natural gas and LNG, effectively reversing authorizations from 2016 and earlier laws that lifted export bans.
• Consolidated Appropriations Act (2016) Update: Replaces the existing crude oil export framework (which permits exports since 2015) with a near-total prohibition, limiting it to specific logistical exceptions.
• New Fracking Ban: Introduces a nationwide prohibition not previously in federal law, shifting regulation from state-level oversight to a uniform federal ban.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gains authority to define additional GHGs and enforce emissions bans, increasing its regulatory workload. FERC's role in energy infrastructure approvals is curtailed, potentially slowing project reviews. The Department of Commerce and President must evaluate export exceptions, affecting trade policy.
• Citizens: Could lower air pollution and climate risks, benefiting public health, especially in environmental justice communities near fossil fuel sites. However, it may raise energy costs or cause job losses in fossil fuel-dependent areas without adequate transition support.
• International Relations: The export ban could strain ties with allies reliant on U.S. LNG (e.g., Europe), reduce U.S. influence in global energy markets, and shift trade dynamics with neighbors like Canada and Mexico. It aligns U.S. policy more closely with international climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Environmental and Justice Groups: Frontline communities, indigenous groups, and organizations focused on climate action stand to gain from reduced emissions and pollution.
• Energy Industry: Fossil fuel companies (oil, gas, coal producers), power utilities, and fracking operators face major restrictions, potentially leading to business closures or pivots to renewables.
• Workers and Unions: Coal miners, oil field workers, and gas industry employees may experience job displacement but could benefit from mandated training for clean-energy roles.
• Consumers and Businesses: Households and industries reliant on affordable natural gas or oil exports might see higher domestic prices or supply disruptions.
• Government Entities: Federal agencies like EPA, FERC, and the Department of Energy; state governments overseeing energy; and international trading partners.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill's broad prohibitions could invite lawsuits under the Commerce Clause (regulating interstate and foreign trade) or Takings Clause (if seen as depriving property owners of economic use without compensation). Preemption of state fracking laws might challenge federalism principles.
• Constitutional: Relies on Congress's authority to regulate air pollution and interstate commerce but may face scrutiny for overriding executive branch discretion in energy exports.
• Political: Represents a aggressive shift in U.S. energy policy toward decarbonization, likely polarizing debate along partisan lines—supported by progressives for climate action but opposed by those prioritizing energy independence and jobs. Referred to multiple committees (Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs), indicating potential for amendments or delays in a divided Congress.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
• 2025-09-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
• 2025-09-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs, 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.
• 2025-09-18: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Future Generations Protection Act — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (7 pages)