Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act

Summary

The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act aims to amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act by repealing certain federal building energy efficiency performance standards. This includes removing specific subclauses related to green building certifications and transitioning to revised regulations. The bill emphasizes preventing the prohibition of certifications based solely on fossil fuel consumption.

Expected Effects

The immediate effect will be a rollback of existing energy efficiency standards for federal buildings. New regulations will be issued by the Secretary of Energy within 180 days of the Act's enactment. This could lead to changes in building design and operation, potentially impacting energy consumption and environmental considerations.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially lower construction costs for federal buildings by allowing a broader range of energy sources.
  • May encourage innovation in building design by removing restrictions based on specific energy sources.
  • Could lead to more affordable energy costs for federal buildings if fossil fuels are a cheaper alternative.
  • Streamlines the certification process by removing potentially restrictive criteria.
  • Provides flexibility in meeting energy needs by allowing consideration of diverse energy sources.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in fossil fuel consumption in federal buildings.
  • May slow down the transition to renewable energy sources in the federal sector.
  • Could negatively impact environmental protection and climate action goals.
  • May lead to higher long-term energy costs if fossil fuel prices increase.
  • Potential conflict with broader sustainability goals and international agreements.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 1, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The bill's focus on energy efficiency standards falls within the scope of Congress's authority to regulate federal property and promote the general welfare. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined by the Bill of Rights.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).