CHARGE Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6281

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-01-29T05:23:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Community Health Access Through Resilient Grid Energy Act of 2025" (CHARGE Act of 2025) aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy and energy backup systems at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These are community-based health clinics that provide affordable primary care and preventive services to underserved populations, such as low-income individuals. The legislation directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a grant program to install solar energy systems or energy storage technologies at these centers, or to offer related technical help, enhancing their energy reliability and sustainability.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: Within 180 days of enactment, the DOE's Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy must set up a grant program for "qualifying projects" at FQHCs.
• Eligibility and Applications:
• Eligible applicants include state or local governments, FQHCs themselves, nonprofit organizations that represent FQHCs at national, regional, or state levels, or networks majority-owned or controlled by FQHCs.
• Applications must describe the proposed project and, if relevant, how the applicant will choose which FQHCs to support.
• Use of Funds: Grants can only fund:
• Installation of solar energy systems (e.g., panels that convert sunlight to electricity) or energy storage technologies (e.g., batteries that store excess energy for later use, as defined in tax law).
• Technical assistance for designing, installing, operating, or using these systems at FQHCs.
• Funding: Authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program under DOE authority, with no explicit amendments to prior laws. It builds on existing federal support for FQHCs (under the Social Security Act) and renewable energy incentives (e.g., tax code definitions for energy storage), but creates a dedicated funding stream specifically targeting energy upgrades at these health centers. No repeals or modifications to current statutes are specified.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The DOE will gain administrative responsibilities for reviewing applications, awarding grants, and overseeing projects, potentially increasing workload in the renewable energy division. Congress must appropriate the authorized funds for the program to operate.
• Citizens: FQHC patients—often in rural, low-income, or medically underserved areas—could benefit from more reliable power at clinics, reducing outage-related disruptions to healthcare services. This may lower long-term energy costs for FQHCs, allowing more resources for patient care and promoting access to clean energy in vulnerable communities.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic energy and health infrastructure.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• FQHCs and Their Patients: Primary beneficiaries, as the projects directly improve clinic operations and service delivery to millions of underserved individuals.
• Eligible Entities: State/local governments, nonprofit organizations, and FQHC networks that can apply for and manage grants.
• DOE and Federal Government: Responsible for program implementation and funding allocation.
• Renewable Energy Providers: Companies involved in solar installations or energy storage may see increased demand through funded projects.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on Congress's spending power under the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8) to authorize appropriations for energy and health initiatives. Definitions align with existing federal laws (e.g., Social Security Act for FQHCs and Internal Revenue Code for energy storage), ensuring consistency without creating conflicts.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it supports public welfare through health and energy policy without infringing on states' rights, as it allows state/local involvement.
• Political: Advances bipartisan goals of clean energy transition, health equity, and grid resilience, potentially appealing across party lines. It could influence future energy policy by prioritizing critical infrastructure like health centers, but success depends on congressional funding approvals amid budget debates.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-11-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Community Health Access Through Resilient Grid Energy Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-21 — PDF (5 pages)