A resolution recognizing that facilities that produce renewable electricity are the cheapest power-generating facilities to operate and reliance on fossil fuel-generating facilities to meet growing power demand drives up wholesale electricity prices.

Bill Number

S.Res. 565

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. Res. 565

Purpose

This Senate resolution aims to formally acknowledge the economic advantages of renewable energy sources in electricity generation. It highlights that facilities producing renewable electricity, such as wind and solar, have the lowest operating costs compared to fossil fuel-based plants, and that depending on fossil fuels to meet rising electricity demand increases wholesale electricity prices.

Key Provisions

• Background Explanations ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines several factual premises:
• Electricity prices are set by the balance of power demand and the costs of generating that power.
• U.S. power demand is growing faster than in the past two decades.
• Generators with the lowest operating costs (typically renewables) are used first to meet demand, keeping costs low.
• As demand rises, higher-cost generators (like fossil fuel plants) are brought online, raising wholesale prices.
• Fossil fuel plants (coal, natural gas, oil) have high operating costs due to fuel and maintenance expenses.
• Renewable sources like wind and solar have nearly zero operating costs once built.
• Core Recognition ("Resolved" Clause): The Senate states that:
• Renewable electricity facilities are the cheapest to operate for meeting power demand.
• Relying on fossil fuel facilities to address growing demand drives up wholesale electricity prices.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's view but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It introduces no legal changes to existing statutes or regulations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May influence agencies like the Department of Energy or Environmental Protection Agency in policy discussions or reports favoring renewables, though it has no direct enforcement power.
• On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit consumers by supporting lower electricity prices through greater renewable adoption, but effects depend on future legislative actions.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it signals U.S. support for renewable energy, potentially aligning with global climate efforts like the Paris Agreement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Energy Producers: Renewable energy companies (e.g., wind and solar developers) stand to gain from the recognition of their cost advantages; fossil fuel industries (coal, oil, gas) may face indirect pressure.
• Utilities and Consumers: Electricity providers and ratepayers could see long-term benefits from lower wholesale prices if the resolution influences energy policy.
• Environmental and Advocacy Groups: Organizations promoting clean energy may use this as a tool to advocate for supportive policies.
• Policymakers: Senators and congressional committees, particularly the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where the resolution was referred.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only a majority vote in the Senate and does not need House approval or presidential signature, carrying no force of law but serving as a declarative statement.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy preferences under Article I, without infringing on executive powers over energy regulation.
• Political: Represents bipartisan or coalition support (introduced by multiple senators from both parties) for renewable energy economics, potentially shaping debates on energy transition, climate policy, and infrastructure investments like the Inflation Reduction Act. It could encourage further legislation promoting renewables amid growing U.S. power needs from electrification and data centers.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]

Cosponsors (8)

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Recognizing that facilities that produce renewable electricity are the cheapest power-generating facilities to operate and reliance on fossil fuel-generating facilities to meet growing power demand drives up wholesale electricity prices. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (2 pages)