Bill Summary
The "Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act of 2025" is a legislative proposal aimed at standardizing the definitions of key energy terms—affordable, reliable, and clean—across various federal departments and agencies.
**Key Provisions:**
1. **Definitions**:
- **Affordable** energy is defined as a low-cost method of electricity production that considers the full system costs.
- **Reliable** energy must meet specific criteria, including having a capability of 60% or greater, being consistently available, and not being significantly affected by weather.
- **Clean** energy includes energy sources specified in existing legislation, nuclear energy, and compliant hydrocarbon combustion.
2. **Implementation**:
- The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other relevant agencies, is required to submit a report within 90 days of enactment that identifies existing regulations and policies related to these energy types.
- Agencies must update their regulations to incorporate these definitions and report back to Congress within 180 days.
3. **Transparency**: Reports will be made publicly available on the respective agencies' websites to ensure transparency in how these definitions are adopted and implemented.
Overall, the Act seeks to enhance the clarity and consistency of federal energy policies, promoting a framework that supports affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
Possible Impacts
The "Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act of 2025" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Energy Costs for Households and Businesses**: By establishing a clear definition of "affordable" energy, the legislation could lead to policies that prioritize low-cost energy production. This may result in lower electricity bills for households and businesses, making energy more accessible and manageable for a larger portion of the population. However, if the definitions favor certain energy sources, it could also lead to increased costs if those sources require significant investment or subsidies.
2. **Job Creation and Economic Opportunities**: The emphasis on "clean" energy sources may stimulate growth in the renewable energy sector, leading to job creation in industries such as solar, wind, and energy efficiency. People could benefit from new employment opportunities in emerging technologies and industries that focus on sustainable energy practices. Conversely, traditional energy sectors might face job losses, necessitating workforce retraining programs.
3. **Environmental and Health Outcomes**: The definition of "clean" energy is likely to promote the use of energy sources that have lower emissions and environmental impacts. This could lead to improved air quality and public health outcomes, as cleaner energy sources reduce harmful pollutants associated with energy production. Communities that have historically been affected by pollution may experience significant health benefits, contributing to overall quality of life improvements. However, the transition period may involve challenges for communities reliant on fossil fuels, highlighting the need for equitable policy measures.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5765 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5765
To direct Federal departments or agencies to implement certain
definitions for the terms affordable, reliable, and clean energy, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 17, 2025
Mr. Balderson introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct Federal departments or agencies to implement certain
definitions for the terms affordable, reliable, and clean energy, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy
Security Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Affordable.--The term ``affordable'' with respect to
energy means a low cost method of producing electricity,
factoring in the full system cost of each generation source.
(2) Reliable.--The term ``reliable'' with respect to energy
means a source of electricity that--
(A) except as required during a period of routine
maintenance or repairs, has an Effective Load Carrying
Capability of 60 percent or greater;
(B) is not subject to intermittent availability;
and
(C) is not subject to routine weather that impacts
energy production.
(3) Clean.--The term ``clean'' with respect to energy means
any energy generated using--
(A) an energy source listed in section 203(b) of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852(b));
(B) a nuclear reactor; or
(C) the combustion of hydrocarbons, in accordance
with the national ambient air quality standards under
title I of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.),
including any such energy that is generated using
natural gas.
SEC. 3. DIRECTING CERTAIN FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES TO
INCORPORATE DEFINITIONS OF AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, AND
CLEAN ENERGY.
(a) Identification Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in coordination
with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, shall submit to Congress a report that
identifies regulations, grants, guidance, and policies within their
respective departments or agencies relating to affordable energy,
reliable energy, and clean energy.
(b) Identification Report Publication.--The Secretary of Energy,
the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency shall publish the report required by
subsection (a) on the respective public websites of the Department of
Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental
Protection Agency.
(c) Definition Adoption.--Not later than 90 days after the report
required by subsection (a) is submitted to Congress, the Secretary of
Energy, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency shall update all regulations, grants,
guidance, and policies of their respective department or agency
relating to affordable energy, reliable energy, and clean energy to
incorporate the definitions in section 2 of this Act.
(d) Incorporation Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of
the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency shall each submit a report to Congress that identifies the
manner and extent to which each department or agency has incorporated
the definitions in this Act relating to affordable energy, reliable
energy, and clean energy into their respective department or agency
regulations, grants, guidance, and policies.
(e) Incorporation Report Publication.--The Secretary of Energy, the
Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall publish the reports required by subsection (d)
on the respective public websites of the Department of Energy, the
Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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