To amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the transmission facilitation program.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7043
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-04T04:26:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 7043) aims to extend the authorization period for the Transmission Facilitation Program, which is a federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) designed to support the development of electric transmission infrastructure. The program helps speed up the planning, permitting, and construction of high-voltage power lines to improve the nation's energy grid reliability and support clean energy goals.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 40106(d)(3) of the IIJA (codified at 42 U.S.C. 18713(d)(3)).
- Changes the program's authorization dates from "2022 through 2026" to "2026 through 2031," effectively providing five additional years of funding eligibility and operational support.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is a simple extension of the program's sunset date, preventing it from expiring at the end of 2026.
- No new funding amounts, eligibility criteria, or operational rules are added; it maintains the existing framework while ensuring continuity.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which administers the program, will continue to receive authority to provide loans, grants, and technical assistance for transmission projects, potentially streamlining federal involvement in energy infrastructure without new administrative burdens.
- On Citizens: Could lead to improved electricity reliability, lower energy costs over time through better grid efficiency, and faster integration of renewable energy sources, benefiting households and businesses in regions with growing energy demands.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. grid capacity may indirectly support global clean energy transitions and energy security discussions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Energy Sector: Utilities, transmission developers, and renewable energy companies that rely on the program for financial and regulatory support to build interstate power lines.
- Government Entities: DOE and potentially other federal agencies involved in energy permitting, as well as state regulators.
- Consumers and Communities: Residents in areas with outdated grids, who may see benefits from reduced blackouts or cheaper power, though construction could involve local environmental or land-use concerns.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward reauthorization that aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I of the U.S. Constitution; it does not introduce new mandates or raise separation-of-powers issues.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges anticipated, as it builds on existing IIJA authority without altering federal-state balances in energy regulation.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan interest in infrastructure and clean energy (introduced by Representatives Pappas and Moylan), potentially aiding long-term goals like reducing carbon emissions, but could spark debates over federal spending priorities if funding levels remain tied to annual appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-13: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the transmission facilitation program. — issued 2026-01-13 — PDF (1 pages)