Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered remarks on April 22 regarding H.R. 4690, a bill aimed at preventing a ban on fossil fuel-generated electricity for federal buildings.
The discussion centers around the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, which seeks to reverse current law requiring the federal government to phase out fossil fuels in new and renovated buildings by 2030. Supporters argue that such mandates could impact the reliability and security of essential infrastructure.
"Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Today's debate serves as a reminder that policy decisions carry long-lasting implications," Guthrie said during his prepared remarks.
He added, "This one-size-fits-all electrification mandate for new and renovated federal buildings jeopardizes the reliability and security of our nation's critical federal infrastructure. Winter Storm Fern's impact across the U.S. in January made it clear: reliable and affordable fossil fuels provide consistent power — wind and solar do not." Guthrie pointed out that during this storm event, coal and natural gas output increased to meet demand while other sources lagged behind.
Guthrie also said that uninterrupted electricity is necessary for both government operations and national security: "The federal government and the United States military require uninterrupted, reliable electricity. Anything less compromises our national security, and this issue is timelier than ever." He expressed concern that future administrations might enforce deadlines in Section 433 more strictly or use them to direct funds toward retrofitting projects benefiting certain interests.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees legislation concerning energy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, and consumer issues according to its official website. The committee has influenced policies involving energy innovation, broadband deployment, pharmaceutical pricing as reported by its official website, stands as one of the oldest standing committees in Congress according to its official website, tracing its origins back to 1795 when it was formed as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
In closing his remarks on H.R. 4690 before colleagues in Congress Guthrie said: "The legislation before us today to repeal Section 433 brings federal building policy back to reality, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act."
