H.R. 4690 — Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act
Executive Summary
H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, repeals Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandated the phase-out of fossil fuel-generated energy in federal buildings. The Committee on Energy and Commerce argues that the existing mandate forces a costly, one-size-fits-all electrification approach that jeopardizes critical infrastructure reliability and ignores the efficiency of natural gas. By invalidating current Department of Energy regulations and prohibiting green building certifications from penalizing fossil fuel use, the bill aims to restore fuel choice and reduce compliance costs for federal facilities.
Arguments For
- Prevents costly, one-size-fits-all electrification mandates that could strain agency budgets and jeopardize the reliability of critical federal infrastructure.
- Preserves fuel choice, allowing federal facilities to utilize efficient natural gas systems which can be more cost-effective and reliable in certain regions.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Undermines the federal government's ability to lead by example in market transformation and clean energy innovation.
- Opponents argue that continued reliance on fossil fuels will ultimately increase long-term taxpayer costs due to price volatility and worsen air pollution.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Repeals the statutory requirement under the Energy Conservation and Production Act to phase out fossil fuel use in new and modified federal buildings.
- Invalidates existing Department of Energy regulations (10 CFR Parts 433 and 435, Subpart B) that enforce fossil fuel phase-outs in federal buildings.
- Prohibits green building certification systems used by the federal government from denying certification solely based on a building's direct or indirect consumption of fossil fuels.
- Requires the Secretary of Energy to issue new or revised federal building energy efficiency performance standards within 180 days of enactment.
Supporting Views on Legislation
The bill repeals Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandated the phase-out of fossil fuel-generated energy in federal buildings. The committee argues that the existing mandate forces a one-size-fits-all electrification approach that jeopardizes critical infrastructure reliability, increases costs, and ignores the efficiency of natural gas.
⚖️ Dissenting views on legislation
Committee on Energy and Commerce: The minority strongly opposes the bill, arguing that repealing the fossil fuel phase-out for federal buildings will increase taxpayer costs, worsen air pollution, and stifle clean energy innovation. They emphasize that the federal government should lead by example in energy efficiency to drive market transformation and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuels.
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Prohibits green building certifications from penalizing fossil fuel use.
"may not prohibit a building from obtaining"
Repeals specific Department of Energy regulations regarding federal building energy standards.
"REPEAL OF CERTAIN STANDARDS.—Subpart"
Requires the Secretary of Energy to issue revised regulations within 180 days.
"Not later than 180 days after"