To amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the transmission facilitation program.
Summary
H.R. 7043 aims to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by reauthorizing the transmission facilitation program. Specifically, it extends the program's authorization from '2022 through 2026' to '2026 through 2031'. This program supports the development of critical energy transmission infrastructure.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Pappas and Mr. Moylan and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The reauthorization seeks to ensure continued federal support for projects that enhance the nation's energy grid.
By extending the program, the bill intends to facilitate the construction and modernization of transmission lines, which are essential for delivering electricity from generation sources to consumers.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the continuation of the transmission facilitation program for an additional five years. This would allow ongoing and future energy transmission projects to receive federal support, potentially leading to a more robust and reliable energy grid.
It could also incentivize private sector investment in transmission infrastructure, as the program provides a framework for federal partnership and risk mitigation. Ultimately, this could lead to improved energy security and affordability for consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Continued federal support for energy transmission projects.
- Potential for a more reliable and resilient energy grid.
- Incentivizes private sector investment in critical infrastructure.
- May lead to improved energy security.
- Could contribute to lower energy costs for consumers in the long term.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and debt.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if projects are not carefully vetted.
- Possible negative environmental impacts from the construction of new transmission lines.
- Potential for conflicts with state and local regulations.
- The program's effectiveness depends on the specific projects funded and their management.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Energy transmission across state lines falls under this purview.
Furthermore, the bill could be argued to support the 'general Welfare' clause of the Preamble, as a reliable energy grid benefits the entire nation. However, the specific projects funded under the program would need to be scrutinized to ensure they do not infringe upon states' rights or individual liberties.
The bill itself does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provisions, but its implementation would need to be carefully monitored to ensure compliance with constitutional principles.
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).