Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced on Apr. 23 that American energy producers have voiced support for H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. The legislation seeks to repeal Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires new and renovated federal buildings to eliminate on-site fossil fuel-generated energy consumption by 2030. The bill passed with a vote of 215-202.
The proposed repeal has drawn attention because it could change how federal buildings use energy in the future. Supporters argue that current requirements may increase costs and strain existing infrastructure while limiting flexibility for energy choices at government facilities.
Karen Harbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gas Association, said: “DOE failed to address how the fuel switching from natural gas end-use equipment to electricity would significantly impact the peak day electric demand and the infrastructure requirements to serve the new peak day demand. Furthermore, the need for a significant build-out of the electric grid has not been fully considered or addressed in the electric rate forecast that DOE used in the rule. Moreover, if federal buildings are forced to fuel switch, the cost of maintaining a safe and resilient natural gas system will shift to other customers, which was not fully considered by DOE. Risks to military readiness, reliability challenges, higher building energy costs passed along to taxpayers, and related costs to utility ratepayers are among the many reasons the underlying statute needs to be repealed as soon as possible. AGA supports the swift passage of H.R. 4690, The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, for these reasons.”
Dave Schryver, CEO of American Public Gas Association said: “The American energy infrastructure network is being tested in unprecedented ways... APGA agrees with supporters of this legislation that now is not time to eliminate options for energy access at federal buildings... We respectfully urge House leadership...to restore common sense energy flexibility for federal facilities while protecting taxpayers...” Lisa Jacobson from Business Council for Sustainable Energy added: “BCSE also supports repeal or significant modification of Section 433... A technology-neutral whole-building framework will lower costs...” James M. Collura from National Energy & Fuels Institute said: “By repealing Section 433...H.R.4690 restores flexibility...” Stephen Kaminski from National Propane Gas Association said his group opposes "rigid one-size-fits-all" rules but supports thoughtful standards.
According to Jason Ketchum from ONE Gas: “Without changes proposed under this act…Section 433…create[s] a narrow focus on building electrification at expense of reliability…” Frank Windsor from Rinnai America Corporation stated that Section 433 was created before today’s high-efficiency technologies were available and imposes rigid requirements without adequate regard for operational needs.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees legislation concerning areas such as energy policy and environmental protection according to its official website. The committee has influenced major policy decisions including those related to broadband deployment and pharmaceutical pricing according to its official website. As one of Congress's oldest standing committees according to its official website, it traces its origins back more than two centuries according to its official website.
Supporters believe passage of H.R.4690 could bring more flexibility in managing federal building operations while opponents warn about potential setbacks in efforts toward cleaner government facilities.
