Bill Summary
The legislation is a resolution that highlights the critical role of solar, storage (battery systems), and wind energy in addressing the rising power demand in the United States, projected to increase significantly by 2025. It acknowledges the challenges of potential power capacity shortages across the country over the next decade and emphasizes that solar and wind energy have become the most cost-effective sources of new electricity generation, even without subsidies. The resolution notes that in 2024, solar, storage, and wind constituted the majority of new power capacity installations and are the leading technologies awaiting grid interconnection. It also points out that solar and wind have surpassed coal in electricity production and that costs associated with new natural gas power plants are at a decade high, with long wait times for equipment. The resolution concludes by advocating for the acceleration of renewable energy deployment to meet the increasing power demands and reduce reliance on aging fossil fuel plants, which could become financially burdensome for consumers.
Possible Impacts
The legislation outlined in the resolution could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Lower Electricity Costs**: As solar, storage, and wind energy sources become the primary means of new power generation, the increased deployment of these technologies could lead to lower electricity costs for consumers. With the declining costs of renewable technologies and the removal of reliance on more expensive fossil fuels, households and businesses may benefit from reduced utility bills.
2. **Job Creation in Renewable Energy Sector**: The push for accelerated deployment of solar, storage, and wind technologies is likely to result in job growth within the renewable energy sector. This could provide new employment opportunities for workers in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and other related fields, positively impacting local economies and contributing to the transition to a sustainable energy future.
3. **Enhanced Energy Reliability and Security**: With the resolution emphasizing the need for renewable energy to meet rising power demand and address potential capacity shortfalls, communities may experience improved energy reliability. By diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the risk of power outages and energy shortages could diminish, leading to more stable and secure energy access for residents and businesses.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 564 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 564
Recognizing the ability of solar, storage, and wind to quickly and
cheaply meet United States power demand growth.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 17, 2025
Mr. Whitehouse (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Markey, Mr.
Van Hollen, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Smith, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Welch, and Ms.
Blunt Rochester) submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the ability of solar, storage, and wind to quickly and
cheaply meet United States power demand growth.
Whereas, as of 2025, United States power demand growth is higher than at any
point in the previous 2 decades;
Whereas, over the next 10 years after the date of enactment of this resolution,
nearly every region of the United States faces potential power capacity
shortfalls;
Whereas, as of 2025, solar and wind are the most cost-effective forms of new
power generation on an unsubsidized basis and electricity storage
(battery) costs are sharply declining;
Whereas, in 2024, solar, storage, and wind made up 93 percent of new power
capacity installations in the United States;
Whereas, as of 2025, solar, storage, and wind make up 95 percent of power
capacity awaiting grid interconnection in the United States;
Whereas, in 2024, solar and wind produced more electricity than coal;
Whereas, in 2025, costs of new natural gas construction reached 10-year highs;
Whereas, as of 2025, wait times for turbines for new natural gas-fired power
plants are as long as 7 years; and
Whereas forcing large fossil fuel plants that are scheduled to retire in 2026,
2027, and 2028 to keep running could increase costs to ratepayers by
over $3,000,000,000 per year: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes that accelerating solar,
storage, and wind deployment is essential to meet rising power demand,
and that the United States should increase production of renewable
energy.
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