Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, titled the "Energy Choice Act," aims to prevent states and local governments from imposing restrictions on energy services based on the type or source of energy. This includes areas such as connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of energy services. The act defines energy broadly to encompass various sources including natural gas, hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas, biomass-based fuels, and electricity. Essentially, the legislation seeks to ensure that consumers and service providers have the freedom to utilize a diverse range of energy sources without facing regulatory barriers imposed by local or state authorities.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Energy Choice Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Energy Options for Consumers**: The legislation would ensure that consumers have access to a wider range of energy sources, including renewable options like solar and wind, as well as traditional sources like natural gas and petroleum. This could lead to increased competition among energy providers, potentially lowering energy costs and allowing consumers to choose the energy source that best meets their needs, preferences, and budget.
2. **Impact on Local Regulations and Sustainability Efforts**: Local governments often implement regulations aimed at promoting sustainability, such as restricting fossil fuel use to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources. The Energy Choice Act would limit these local efforts, potentially hindering community initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Residents interested in sustainable practices may find fewer local options to promote environmentally friendly energy use.
3. **Economic Growth and Job Creation**: By prohibiting states and local governments from limiting the types of energy services offered, the Act could stimulate economic growth in the energy sector. New energy companies might emerge, creating jobs in installation, maintenance, and sales across various energy sources. This could benefit individuals seeking employment in the energy sector, as well as communities that may see an influx of investment and economic activity related to energy infrastructure.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1945 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1945
To prohibit States and local governments from prohibiting or limiting
the connection, reconnection, modification, installation,
transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based
on the type or source of energy to be delivered, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 4, 2025
Mr. Justice (for himself, Mr. Tuberville, and Mrs. Capito) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit States and local governments from prohibiting or limiting
the connection, reconnection, modification, installation,
transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based
on the type or source of energy to be delivered, 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 ``Energy Choice Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF ENERGY.
In this Act, the term ``energy'' includes--
(1) natural gas;
(2) renewable natural gas;
(3) hydrogen;
(4) liquified petroleum gas;
(5) renewable liquified petroleum gas;
(6) other liquid petroleum products;
(7) biomass-based diesel fuels and renewable fuels; and
(8) electricity.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON REGULATION OF ENERGY CHOICE.
A State or local government, including any instrumentality or
regulatory agency of a State or local government, may not adopt,
implement, or enforce a law, regulation, ordinance, building code,
standard, or policy that prohibits or limits, or has the effect of
directly or indirectly prohibiting or limiting, the connection,
reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution,
or expansion of, or access to, an energy service based on the type or
source of energy sold in interstate commerce to be delivered to an end-
user of that energy service.
<all>