The House approved legislation Thursday aimed at bolstering the electric grid and studying supply chain issues.
The chamber passed the “State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act,” H.R. 3628, sponsored by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), in a 218-207 vote.
“My constituents are facing an energy crisis in no small part due to the skyrocketing costs of utilities in Colorado,” Evans said. “Americans are tired of partisan energy policies like the ones we saw in the previous administration, which is why my legislation takes a fair and balanced approach that supports a wide range of reliable energy generation.”
The bill would require state utility regulators to consider the “reliable availability of electric energy” over a 10-year planning horizon — a mandate that critics say would steer utilities toward natural gas, coal and other firm, dispatchable resources. Renewable energy, which the bill does not classify as “reliable,” would not qualify.
