House advances three bills to improve energy security, efficiency

The U.S. House of Representatives advanced Monday three energy bills designed to improve energy efficiency and security.

The first bill is the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act, (H.R. 2114), which reauthorizes the Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. The program seeks to improve the physical and cybersecurity of fuel and electric infrastructure by requiring states to maintain a State Energy Security Plan as a condition for receiving funding. The legislation also increases funding for the program. The bill, introduced by Reps. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Fred Upton (R-MI), passed the House by voice vote.

The Energy Efficient Government Technology Act (H.R. 1420) encourages the adoption of energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies across all federal agencies and federally-operated facilities. The bill, introduced by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), passed in the House by a vote of 384-23.

Finally, the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act (H.R. 1760) seeks to ensure safe access to the fuels needed to operate the development of advanced nuclear reactors in the U.S. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), passed by voice vote.

“Secure and efficient energy infrastructure is absolutely critical to combatting the growing climate crisis, keeping electricity bills low, and ensuring our communities are safe,” House Energy and Commerce Chair Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Energy Subcommittee Chair Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) said. “Collectively, these bills modernize our energy infrastructure, promote energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse pollution, and keep our nation’s power grid secure. We applaud their passage and encourage the Senate to take them up without delay.”