Renewable Energy Choice Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4772
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T19:23:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Renewable Energy Choice Act (S. 4772)
Purpose The legislation aims to prevent states and local governments from restricting the use or expansion of certain renewable energy sources by prohibiting rules that target energy based on its type or source.
Key Provisions
- Defines "renewable energy" as wind, solar, energy storage, and geothermal.
- Bars states, localities, and their agencies from adopting or enforcing laws, regulations, building codes, or policies that directly or indirectly limit the connection, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of renewable energy services sold in interstate commerce.
- Specifically prohibits actions such as:
- Permanent bans on renewable energy projects.
- Moratoriums lasting more than six months.
- Height limits below 525 feet.
- Setback requirements exceeding 1,000 feet.
- Sound limits below 50 decibels.
- Refusal to enter road use agreements.
- Permitting fees that differ from those charged for similar-capacity energy projects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new federal restrictions on state and local authority over energy projects, overriding typical local control of land use, zoning, and permitting for the listed renewable sources. It does not alter federal energy regulations but adds limits on sub-federal actions.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: States and localities would lose flexibility to set certain project-specific rules for wind, solar, storage, and geothermal facilities.
- Citizens: Could lead to more renewable energy options in areas previously restricted, though local preferences on project scale or location may be overridden.
- International relations: Minimal direct effect, as the focus is domestic state-local rules.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Renewable energy developers and operators.
- State and local governments and their regulatory bodies.
- Energy consumers and communities near proposed projects.
- Utility companies involved in distribution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure raises questions about federal preemption of state powers under the Constitution, particularly regarding traditional local authority over land use and public safety standards. It could face challenges if viewed as an overreach into areas not clearly tied to interstate commerce.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Renewable Energy Choice Act — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (3 pages)