Investing in State Energy Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4911
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T04:53:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to ensure timely distribution of information and financial assistance under two federal programs—the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program—to support state and local efforts in energy efficiency and renewable energy. It establishes specific deadlines for the release of guidance, funding allocations, and payments to reduce delays in program implementation.
Key Provisions
- Weatherization Assistance Program amendments: Requires the Secretary of Energy to distribute funds to states, Indian Tribes, or other recipients within 30 days of receiving a complete plan. Also mandates release of application guidance and publication of funding allocations within 60 days after funds become available.
- State Energy Program amendments: Imposes similar timelines, requiring the Secretary to release guidance and publish allocations within 60 days of funds availability, and distribute payments to states within 30 days of receiving a complete conservation plan.
- Funding authorization: Increases available funds for the State Energy Program by adding $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with distributions based on the formula in effect as of January 1, 2026.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory deadlines for information release and fund distribution, which were not previously specified in statute.
- Adds new multi-year funding authorization beyond the existing $500 million base level for the State Energy Program.
- Requires publication of allocations and guidance on a fixed schedule tied to when funds are made available.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Energy must accelerate administrative processes for plan reviews and fund releases, potentially requiring adjustments in internal procedures.
- States, tribes, and localities: Faster access to federal support could enable quicker implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
- Citizens: May lead to earlier availability of assistance for home weatherization and related initiatives, though no direct effects on individuals are detailed.
- No impacts on international relations are addressed in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and Indian Tribes as primary recipients of funds and guidance.
- The Department of Energy, responsible for compliance with new timelines.
- Local governments and other direct recipients involved in energy conservation plans.
- Entities and individuals benefiting from weatherization and state energy initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill focuses on administrative efficiency in federal grant distribution without altering core program eligibility or oversight structures.
- It maintains existing distribution formulas and does not introduce new regulatory requirements or penalties for noncompliance.
- No constitutional issues, such as those related to federal authority or state sovereignty, are raised in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Investing in State Energy Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (4 pages)