SHINE Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6981
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T21:30:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2026 (SHINE Act of 2026) aims to make it easier and faster for homeowners to install small-scale renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or electric vehicle (EV) chargers, by creating a voluntary program. This program supports local governments in simplifying their permitting and inspection processes, encouraging wider use of clean energy technologies in homes without forcing any changes.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- Authority having jurisdiction: State, county, local, or Tribal offices responsible for issuing permits, conducting inspections, or approving installations of energy systems.
- Qualifying distributed energy system: Equipment installed at or near homes to generate, store, or use energy on-site, including solar panels, small wind turbines, batteries (at least 2 kilowatt-hours capacity), EV chargers (at least 2 kilowatts), or hydrogen fuel cell refueling systems.
- Secretary: The U.S. Secretary of Energy.
- Program Establishment: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Energy must launch a program, in consultation with industry groups and government representatives, to develop and promote a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process for these energy systems.
- Program Activities:
- Develop an online platform to speed up, standardize, and simplify permit applications, which local authorities can optionally use.
- Set goals for how many local authorities adopt the streamlined process.
- Offer training and technical help to local governments on using the platform and updating building codes as needed.
- Create a voluntary inspection guide, exploring options like remote inspections (via video or photos) or reduced checks for trusted installers with good records; integrate this into the online platform.
- Take additional steps to improve permitting, inspections, or connections to the power grid.
- Support and Incentives:
- Provide technical and financial aid to local governments, platform administrators, and software providers.
- Certify local authorities that adopt the streamlined process, using existing Department of Energy (DOE) programs.
- Award prizes to encourage adoption of the permitting process or inspection guide.
- Funding: Authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 to fund the program.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new DOE-led program focused specifically on voluntary tools for permitting home-based renewable energy systems. It builds on existing DOE efforts to streamline energy projects but does not amend prior laws directly. Instead, it expands support for digital tools and incentives, potentially reducing delays in local approvals that currently slow down installations under general building codes and regulations.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Local, state, and Tribal permitting offices could save time and resources through optional online tools and training, leading to more efficient operations. The DOE would gain new responsibilities in coordinating national support.
- Citizens: Homeowners may face fewer bureaucratic hurdles and lower costs for installing solar, batteries, or EV chargers, accelerating the shift to renewable energy and potentially reducing energy bills or reliance on fossil fuels.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly support U.S. goals in global climate efforts by boosting domestic clean energy adoption, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Accord.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Energy (DOE) and Secretary of Energy: Leads program development and provides funding/support.
- Local, State, and Tribal Governments: Primary users of the voluntary tools; benefit from certifications and prizes but must opt in.
- Energy Installers and Trade Associations: Gain from standardized processes that could increase installation efficiency and market growth.
- Homeowners and Residential Users: Direct beneficiaries through faster, simpler access to distributed energy technologies.
- Software Providers and Platform Administrators: Involved in building and maintaining online tools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The voluntary nature respects federalism by not mandating changes to local laws or codes, avoiding potential conflicts with state authority over building permits. It relies on existing DOE programs for certifications, ensuring smooth integration.
- Constitutional: No major issues; it promotes energy innovation without infringing on property rights or local governance, aligning with the Commerce Clause's role in interstate energy policy.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from Democrats and Republicans) suggests broad appeal in promoting clean energy without regulatory overreach. It could influence future energy legislation by demonstrating federal-local partnerships, but success depends on funding appropriations and local adoption rates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-08 — PDF (6 pages)