    [Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
    [H.R. 7977 Introduced in House (IH)]

    <DOC>

    119th CONGRESS
      2d Session
                                    H. R. 7977

       To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.

    _______________________________________________________________________

                        IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 March 18, 2026

        Mr. Casten (for himself, Mr. Levin, Ms. Ansari, Ms. Balint, Ms.
        Barragan, Mr. Bell, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Brownley, Ms.
    Budzinski, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Case, Ms. Castor of
    Florida, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of
     New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Craig, Ms. Dean of
     Pennsylvania, Ms. DelBene, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell,
      Mr. Doggett, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania,
      Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New
    York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Horsford, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon,
       Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms.
    Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Landsman,
      Mr. Latimer, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Ms. Leger
        Fernandez, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Magaziner, Mr.
    Mannion, Ms. Matsui, Ms. McBride, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Ms. McClellan,
       Ms. McCollum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. McGovern, Mr.
     Menefee, Ms. Meng, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Min, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Morrison, Mr.
    Moulton, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms.
    Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Olszewski, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Mr.
     Pocan, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Rivas, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Ms.
    Salinas, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Scholten, Mr.
    Scott of Virginia, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of
    Washington, Mr. Sorensen, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stanton, Ms. Stevens, Mr.
      Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Thompson of
    Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Torres of
        New York, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Tran, Ms. Underwood, Mr. Vargas, Mr.
    Vasquez, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman,
      Mr. Whitesides, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following
     bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and
     in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural
       Resources, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure,
    Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science,
     Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by
    the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
               within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

    _______________________________________________________________________

                                     A BILL

       To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.

        Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled,

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

        (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Bills
    Relief Act''.
        (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
              TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY

          Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-Cost, Clean Energy

    Sec. 101. Repealing H.R. 1 rollbacks of low-cost, clean energy tax
                                credits.
     Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean
                                     Energy

    Sec. 111. Reversing grant terminations for low-cost, clean energy.
    Sec. 112. Prevention of administrative abuse of Federal permitting of
                                low-cost, clean energy.
    Sec. 113. Ratepayer protection against uneconomic power generation.
              TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

    Sec. 201. Lowering household heating and cooling bills.
    Sec. 202. Home weatherization.
    Sec. 203. Reflective roofing.
    Sec. 204. Domestic natural gas price protection.
    Sec. 205. Rural energy savings.
          TITLE III--UNCLOGGING THE LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY BOTTLENECK

    Sec. 301. Expedited generator interconnection.
    Sec. 302. Advanced transmission technologies.
    Sec. 303. Electricity transformers.
    Sec. 304. Streamlining permitting of distributed energy.
    Sec. 305. Community solar.
    Sec. 306. Low-cost, clean energy in United States territories.
             TITLE IV--BUILDING OUT A 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICITY GRID

                Subtitle A--Amendments to the Federal Power Act

    Sec. 401. Definitions.
    Sec. 402. Interregional electric transmission planning.
    Sec. 403. Allocation of costs of electric transmission facilities of
                                national significance.
    Sec. 404. Minimum interregional transfer capability.
    Sec. 405. Increased FERC transmission siting authority.
    Sec. 406. Prohibiting expensive, unjust queue jumping.
                           Subtitle B--Tax and Grants

    Sec. 411. Transmission investment tax credit.
    Sec. 412. Reduced wildfire risks to the grid.
                   Subtitle C--Transmission Governance Reform

    Sec. 421. FERC staffing.
    Sec. 422. FERC fee assessments.
    Sec. 423. State public utility commission capacity grants.
    Sec. 424. Independent transmission monitors.
    Sec. 425. Aggregator bidding into organized wholesale electric markets.
    Sec. 426. RTO and ISO governance and participation.
    Sec. 427. Modernized grid data and analytics.
     TITLE V--DEPLOYING LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLY ON PUBLIC LANDS
                                   AND WATERS

              Subtitle A--Public Land Renewable Energy Development

    Sec. 501. Public land renewable energy development.
    Sec. 502. Geothermal cost recovery.
    Sec. 503. Geothermal Gold Book development.
                   Subtitle B--Offshore Renewable Deployment

    Sec. 511. Responsible development of offshore renewable energy.
    Sec. 512. Compensation for offshore renewable energy projects.
    Sec. 513. Interoperability of offshore electric transmission
                                infrastructure.
            TITLE VI--PROTECTING CONSUMERS IN ELECTRICITY REGULATION

    Sec. 601. Utility earnings tied to ratepayer benefits.
    Sec. 602. Consumer protection from energy market manipulation.
    Sec. 603. Avoiding cost shifts onto families.
    Sec. 604. True costs and value of energy for economic and public
                                benefit.
    Sec. 605. Grid performance disclosure.
      TITLE VII--COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT

    Sec. 701. Federal permitting capacity.
    Sec. 702. Interagency environmental data system.
    Sec. 703. Timely public release of NEPA documentation.
    Sec. 704. Community benefits agreements.
    Sec. 705. Intervenor funding at FERC Office of Public Participation.
    Sec. 706. Senior community engagement officers and Tribal community
                                engagement officers.
    Sec. 707. Capacity grants for permitting and community engagement.

              TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY

          Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-cost, Clean Energy

    SEC. 101. REPEALING H.R. 1 ROLLBACKS OF LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY TAX
                  CREDITS.

        (a) Repeal.--Subchapter A of chapter 5 of subtitle A of title VII
    of Public Law 119-21 is hereby repealed.
        (b) Amendments.--Each provision of law amended by such subchapter
    is amended to read as such provision would read if such subchapter had
    never been enacted.
        (c) Effects.--Each amendment made by subsection (b) shall take
    effect as if included in the provision of such subchapter to which such
    amendment relates.

     Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean
                                     Energy

    SEC. 111. REVERSING GRANT TERMINATIONS FOR LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.

        (a) The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency,
    and the Department of Transportation may not terminate a Federal award
    in part or its entirety, require a renegotiation or rescoping of the
    Federal award, or decide not to fund a future budget period of a
    Federal award on the basis that the Federal award no longer effectuates
    the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section
    200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (b) Any Federal award that was terminated, renegotiated, rescoped,
    or not progressed to future budget periods by the Department of Energy,
    the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of
    Transportation after January 19, 2025, for no longer effectuating the
    program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section
    200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be
    reinstated by such agency or entity under its previous terms and
    conditions.

    SEC. 112. PREVENTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ABUSE OF FEDERAL PERMITTING OF
                  LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.

        (a) Requirement for Parity.--The Council on Environmental Quality,
    in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall ensure, via
    subsection (b), that the processing of applications, authorizations, or
    related approvals as well as denials and the activities referenced in
    subsection (g) for wind, solar, storage, or related electric
    transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters is not
    subject to more restrictive or burdensome procedural requirements than
    those applied to applications for oil, gas, or coal projects on Federal
    and non-Federal land and waters and does not bias Federal decision
    making in favor of oil, gas, or coal projects, including--
                (1) requirements for elevated or discretionary review by
            the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, other political appointees, or
            career employees;
                (2) additional documentation or review not required for
            oil, gas, or coal projects;
                (3) withholding, delaying, or reversing decisions by local
            or regional entities for wind, solar, storage, or related
            electric transmission projects for reasons not applied to oil,
            gas or coal projects; and
                (4) denial of routine administrative approvals, such as
            testing permits or cost recovery agreements, or notices to
            proceed once all criteria have been met for approval, based on
            underlying technology.
        (b) Policy Review.--
                (1) Review.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Council on Environmental
            Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies,
            shall--
                        (A) review all applicable regulations, guidance
                    documents, policy manuals, departmental directives,
                    Secretarial orders, and other procedures regarding
                    energy development; and
                        (B) identify any provision of such regulations,
                    documents, manuals, directives, orders, and procedures
                    not otherwise required in statute that do not comply
                    with the requirements in subsection (a).
                (2) Rescission.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the applicable Secretary or
            Administrator shall rescind or amend as necessary any provision
            identified under subsection (a).
        (c) Accountability in Permitting.--Not later than 180 days after
    the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the
    Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a
    report on actions taken by all applicable Federal agencies related to
    permitting for energy projects, which shall include--
                (1) an analysis of the procedures used by all applicable
            Federal agencies for processing applications, authorizations,
            or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric
            transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and
            waters and how those procedures compare to those used for oil,
            gas, or coal projects;
                (2) an analysis of the number of days applicable Federal
            agencies took during the previous calendar year to process
            applications, authorizations or approvals for wind, solar,
            storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal
            and non-Federal land and waters compared to the number of days
            to process applications, authorizations or approvals for oil,
            gas, or coal projects; and
                (3) an assessment of whether applicable Federal agencies
            treated wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission
            projects the same as oil, gas, or coal projects during the
            previous calendar year.
        (d) Ensuring Energy Security.--
                (1) Limitation on issuance of certain approvals.--Beginning
            on the date of enactment of this Act--
                        (A) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a
                    permit to extract coal or to drill on an onshore oil or
                    gas lease on Federal land unless an approval for
                    onshore wind or solar development has been issued
                    during the 120-day period ending on the date of the
                    issuance of the approval for oil or gas development;
                    and
                        (B) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a
                    permit to drill on an offshore oil or gas lease on the
                    Outer Continental Shelf under section 2(a) of the Outer
                    Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a)) unless
                    an approval for offshore wind development on the Outer
                    Continental Shelf of similar scope has been issued
                    during the 120-day period ending on the date of the
                    issuance of the approval for oil or gas development.
                (2) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall
            be construed to require the Secretary to approve applications
            for a permit to drill for onshore or offshore oil or gas
            development or a permit to extract coal.
        (e) Timely Federal Review.--
                (1) Deadlines to complete environmental reviews under
            nepa.--With respect to any proposed wind, solar, storage, or
            related electric transmission development on Federal land or
            waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, requiring an
            environmental impact statement or environmental assessment
            pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
            U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Secretary shall complete such
            environmental impact statement or environmental assessment
            within the deadlines established under section 107(g) of the
            National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)).
                (2) Deadline for determination of right-of-way.--Not later
            than 180 days after completion of the environmental impact
            statement or environmental assessment, as applicable, for wind,
            solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on
            Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf,
            the Secretary shall issue a right-of-way, except in the event
            that a no action alternative is selected.
        (f) Judicial Review.--
                (1) Reviewability.--
                        (A) In general.--If a Federal agency suspends
                    construction or operations of a wind, solar, storage,
                    or related electric transmission project, or otherwise
                    prevents a wind, solar, storage, or related electric
                    transmission project from commencing and completing
                    construction, operation, or related ancillary
                    activities, including by revoking, rescinding,
                    withdrawing, terminating, suspending, amending,
                    altering, or otherwise rendering ineffective any
                    authorization for a project or the final environmental
                    document the authorization relies on, shall be
                    considered final agency action subject to judicial
                    review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
                        (B) Venue.--A person seeking judicial review for an
                    action described in subparagraph (A) shall obtain
                    review of such action in the United States Court of
                    Appeals for any circuit wherein the project is located.
                (2) Timing.--For any claim brought regarding an action in
            paragraph (A), the court of competent jurisdiction shall issue
            a decision for such challenge--
                        (A) as expeditiously as practicable; and
                        (B) not later than the date that is 30 days after
                    the date on which the civil action is filed, unless the
                    court determines that additional time is required in
                    the interests of justice.
                (3) Applicability.--This section shall apply to any actions
            in paragraph (1) that occurred after January 19, 2025.
        (g) Ensuring Fairness on Federal Lands and Waters.--
                (1) FLPMA amendments.--The Federal Land Policy and
            Management Act of 1976 is amended--
                        (A) in section 103(c) (43 U.S.C. 1702(c)), by
                    striking ``historical values;'' and inserting
                    ``historical values, including the generation,
                    transmission, and storage of renewable energy sources
                    such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy;''; and
                        (B) in section 302 (43 U.S.C. 1732), by inserting
                    at the end ``(e) The Secretary shall manage the public
                    lands to facilitate the generation, transmission, and
                    storage of renewable energy resources, consistent with
                    the principles of multiple use and sustained yield
                    under this Act. For the purposes of this Act, such
                    activities are deemed to be consistent with multiple-
                    use management.''.
                (2) OCSLA amendments.--Section 8(p) of the Outer
            Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)) is amended by
            striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
                ``(4) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any
            activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that
            provides for a balance of--
                        ``(A) safety;
                        ``(B) the protection of the environment;
                        ``(C) the prevention of waste;
                        ``(D) the conservation of the natural resources of
                    the outer Continental Shelf;
                        ``(E) coordination with relevant Federal agencies
                    and Tribal, State, and local governments;
                        ``(F) the protection of the national security
                    interests of the United States, including energy
                    security;
                        ``(G) the protection of correlative rights in the
                    outer Continental Shelf, including the energy
                    generation potential of other offshore renewable energy
                    leases;
                        ``(H) a fair return to the United States for any
                    lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection;
                        ``(I) prevention of unreasonable interference with
                    other uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high
                    seas, and the territorial seas, as determined by the
                    Secretary;
                        ``(J) consideration of--
                                ``(i) the location of, and any schedule
                            relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way
                            for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and
                                ``(ii) any other use of the sea or seabed,
                            including use for a fishery or fishery survey,
                            a sealane, a regional coastal observing system
                            or other scientific observation platform such
                            as a buoy, a potential site of a deepwater
                            port, or navigation;
                        ``(K) public notice and comment on any proposal
                    submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under
                    this subsection;
                        ``(L) the oversight, inspection, research,
                    monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease,
                    easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and
                        ``(M) the consideration of any applicable Federal,
                    Tribal, and State renewable energy mandates, targets,
                    and goals.''.

    SEC. 113. RATEPAYER PROTECTION AGAINST UNECONOMIC POWER GENERATION.

        Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824a) is
    amended--
                (1) in paragraph (1)--
                        (A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``During the
                    continuance of any war in which the United States is
                    engaged, or whenever the'' and inserting ``Secretary of
                    Energy (referred to in this subsection as the
                    `Secretary')'';
                        (B) by striking ``exists'' after ``determines that
                    an emergency'' and inserting ``currently exists or will
                    occur within 6 months'';
                        (C) by striking ``Commission'' after ``or other
                    causes, the'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
                        (D) by inserting ``As part of the order, the
                    Secretary shall explain why such order best meets the
                    emergency and serves the public interest.'' after
                    ``serve the public interest.''; and
                        (E) by striking ``Commission'' after ``carrying out
                    such order, the'' and inserting ``Federal Energy
                    Regulatory Commission (referred to in this subsection
                    as the `Commission')'';
                (2) in paragraph (2)--
                        (A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``law or
                    regulation, the'' and inserting ``Secretary''; and
                        (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The
                    Secretary shall state in such orders--
                        ``(A) that are in effect for 96 or fewer hours, the
                    specific hours that are necessary to meet the emergency
                    and serve the public interest; or
                        ``(B) that are in effect for more than 96 hours,
                    the specific methodology by which such hours that are
                    necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public
                    interest were determined.''.
                (3) in paragraph (4)--
                        (A) by striking ``Commission'' wherever it appears
                    and inserting ``Secretary'';
                        (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``that may
                    result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal,
                    State, or local environmental law or regulation'';
                        (C) in subparagraph (B)--
                                (i) by inserting ``that may result in a
                            conflict with a requirement of any Federal,
                            State, or local environmental law or
                            regulation'' after ``In renewing or reissuing
                            an order under subparagraph (A)''; and
                                (ii) by inserting ``The Secretary shall
                            make available to the public the primary
                            Federal agency consulted.'' after
                            ``practicable.''; and
                        (D) by adding at the end--
                        ``(C) Before renewing or reissuing an order under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall undertake a
                    robust study of available alternatives that would
                    reduce the net costs as compared to renewing or
                    reissuing the order.
                        ``(D) In the event the Secretary issues a renewed
                    or reissued order under this paragraph, a petition for
                    judicial review of such renewed or reissued order may
                    be filed under section 313(b) without filing a request
                    for rehearing or otherwise complying with any
                    requirements of section 313(a).''; and
                (4) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(6)(A) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the
            Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), the Commission
            shall publish--
                                ``(i) estimates of the costs that are
                            expected to be incurred by any electric utility
                            and customers of such electric utility as a
                            result of the order; and
                                ``(ii) other expected impacts of the order.
                        ``(B) Not later than 60 days after the date on
                    which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph
                    (1), an electric utility that has been, or is expected
                    to be, affected as a result of the order, including any
                    electric utility described in subparagraph (A)(i),
                    shall provide in writing to customers of the electric
                    utility a description of the costs incurred due to the
                    order, or costs expected to be incurred as a result of
                    the order, including any information relevant to the
                    electric utility and the customers of the electric
                    utility published under subparagraph (A).''.

              TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

    SEC. 201. LOWERING HOUSEHOLD HEATING AND COOLING BILLS.

        (a) Funding.--Section 2602 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
    Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621) is amended--
                (1) in subsection (b)--
                        (A) by striking ``section 2607A)'' and inserting
                    ``section 2604(e), 2605(u), 2607A, 2607B, or 2607C)'';
                    and
                        (B) by striking ``$2,000,000,000'' and all that
                    follows and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary,
                    including such sums as may be necessary to enable the
                    States to assist all households that meet the
                    eligibility requirements established under this title
                    and to enable States to implement home energy
                    affordability measures described in section
                    2605(b)(3).'';
                (2) in subsection (e), in the first sentence--
                        (A) by striking ``in each fiscal year'';
                        (B) by striking ``$600,000,000'' and inserting
                    ``$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and
                    $2,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be
                    necessary for each fiscal year thereafter,''; and
                        (C) by inserting ``, or arising from a major
                    disaster, as defined in section 2604(e)(1)'' before the
                    period at the end; and
                (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(f) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section
    2607C, including making grants under that section, $1,000,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2026, and $1,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may
    be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.''.
        (b) Definitions.--Section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy
    Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622) is amended--
                (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6), (7)
            through (10), and (11), as paragraphs (6) through (8), (10)
            through (13), and (15), respectively;
                (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
                ``(4) The terms `extreme heat' and `extreme cold', used
            with respect to a period, means a period in which there is an
            increased risk of--
                        ``(A) heat-related or cold-related, respectively,
                    illness, hospitalization, or death; or
                        ``(B) failures or energy shutoffs of home cooling
                    or heating, respectively.
                ``(5) The term `HEAP coordinator' means an employee--
                        ``(A) who administers a program funded under
                    section 2602(b); and
                        ``(B) whose salary is paid, partly or wholly, with
                    funds made available under that section.'';
                (3) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated,
            the following:
                ``(9) The term `local coordinating agency' means any local
            organization or local office that receives funds under section
            2602(b) to perform customer intake, or approval of benefits, on
            behalf of the State agency.''; and
                (4) by inserting after paragraph (13), as so redesignated,
            the following:
                ``(14) The term `State agency' means any State agency that
            administers the program funded under section 2602(b).''.
        (c) Assistance for Emergencies and Major Disasters, Including
    Extreme Heat and Cold.--Section 2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy
    Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8623) is amended--
                (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking ``section
            2605(b)(9)(B)'' and inserting ``section 2605(b)(10)(B)''; and
                (2) in subsection (e)--
                        (A) by striking ``(e)'' and inserting the
                    following:
        ``(e)(1) In this subsection:
                ``(A) The term `covered household' means an eligible
            household in an area where the President, or the Secretary, as
            the case may be, has declared or determined the occurrence of a
            natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster.
                ``(B) The term `major disaster' means--
                        ``(i) a major disaster or emergency declared under
                    section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T.
                    Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
                    (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191);
                        ``(ii) a public health emergency determined under
                    section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
                    247d); or
                        ``(iii) a period of extreme heat or extreme cold,
                    as determined by the Secretary.
        ``(2)'';
                        (B) in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking
                    ``natural disaster or other emergency involved'' and
                    inserting ``natural disaster, emergency, or major
                    disaster involved''; and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(3) Upon a declaration or a determination of a natural
            disaster, emergency, or major disaster, for an area, the
            Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
            Management Agency shall, to the extent practicable, provide
            heating or cooling assistance through such an allotment to a
            State for covered households in that area.
                ``(4) To receive assistance under this subsection, the
            State that has jurisdiction over the covered households shall
            provide assurances to the Secretary that the State--
                        ``(A) will not preclude a household that receives
                    heating assistance or cooling assistance under this
                    title during a calendar year, on the basis of obtaining
                    that assistance, from receiving cooling assistance or
                    heating assistance, respectively, under this title
                    during that year;
                        ``(B) will not require a household to indicate that
                    a household member has a medical need for assistance
                    under this title, to be eligible for that assistance;
                    and
                        ``(C) will allow use of such assistance for
                    purposes for which heating or cooling assistance is
                    available under the program funded under section
                    2602(b), including for providing energy-efficient air
                    conditioners, and other equipment needed for home
                    cooling, to eligible households.''.
        (d) Eligible Households.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home
    Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended--
                (1) in subsection (b)--
                        (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``paragraph
                    (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)'';
                        (B) in paragraph (2)--
                                (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                            (A), by inserting ``, subject to subsection
                            (c)(1)(A),'' after ``only'';
                                (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                            ``(B)'' and all that follows through clause
                            (ii) and inserting the following:
                        ``(B) households with incomes which do not exceed
                    the greater of--
                                ``(i) an amount equal to 250 percent of the
                            poverty level; or
                                ``(ii) an amount equal to 80 percent of the
                            State median income,''; and
                                (iii) in the matter following subparagraph
                            (B)--
                                        (I) by striking ``may give'' and
                                    inserting ``shall give''; and
                                        (II) by inserting before the
                                    semicolon the following: ``, and the
                                    State may not exclude a household from
                                    eligibility on the basis of citizenship
                                    of 1 or more of the household
                                    members'';
                        (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (16) as
                    paragraphs (4) through (17), respectively;
                        (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
                ``(3) Energy burden limits.--To the extent practicable, the
            Secretary shall work with States using funding under section
            2602(b) (supplemented by funding available through State-level
            energy programs, utility affordability initiatives, or other
            mechanisms as determined by the State in consultation with the
            Secretary) to implement home energy affordability measures--
                        ``(A) to ensure that no household eligible under
                    paragraph (2) experiences an energy burden for which
                    the expenditures of the household for home energy
                    exceed 3 percent of household income; and
                        ``(B) to prioritize the further reduction of energy
                    burdens for such eligible households with the lowest
                    incomes.''; and
                        (E) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (10), as so
                    redesignated, by striking ``paragraph (16)'' and
                    inserting ``paragraph (17)'';
                (2) in subsection (c)(1)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``assistance
                    to be provided under this title, including criteria''
                    and inserting ``assistance to be provided under this
                    title, including--
                                ``(i) certifying that the State and local
                            coordinating agencies in the State--
                                        ``(I) shall, to the greatest extent
                                    possible, use data sharing agreements
                                    with Federal and State low-income
                                    assistance programs, including the
                                    supplemental nutrition assistance
                                    program established under the Food and
                                    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et
                                    seq.), the Medicaid program established
                                    under title XIX of the Social Security
                                    Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), and the
                                    supplemental security income program
                                    established under title XVI of the
                                    Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et
                                    seq.), to verify eligibility;
                                        ``(II) shall implement simplified
                                    re-enrollment procedures for households
                                    with fixed incomes or households
                                    already determined to be eligible under
                                    other Federal and State low-income
                                    assistance programs, to reduce
                                    administrative burdens on applicants
                                    and agencies;
                                        ``(III) shall not require
                                    applicants to submit proof of
                                    citizenship to establish status as an
                                    eligible household; and
                                        ``(IV) if neither the verification
                                    process described in subclause (I) nor
                                    the re-enrollment process described in
                                    subclause (II) apply to a household,
                                    shall allow applicants to self-attest
                                    that the applicants meet the criteria
                                    established under this title for an
                                    eligible household, to the extent
                                    necessary to facilitate access to
                                    assistance and prevent undue hardship
                                    for applicants; and
                                ``(ii) describing criteria.'';
                        (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``paragraph
                    (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)''; and
                        (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``clauses (3),
                    (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), and (15) of
                    subsection (b)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (4), (5),
                    (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (13), (14), and (16) of
                    subsection (b)'';
                (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (b)(10)''
            and inserting ``subsection (b)(11)'';
                (4) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
                ``(3) For purposes of section 401(c), and the remainder of
            title IV, of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
            Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1611(a), 1601 et seq.),
            assistance under this title shall not be considered to be a
            Federal public benefit.''; and
                (5) in subsection (j), by striking ``the State may apply''
            and inserting ``the State may, subject to subsection
            (c)(1)(A)(i), apply''.
        (e) Conditions for Funding.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home
    Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended--
                (1) in subsection (b)--
                        (A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting before the
                    semicolon the following: ``, using toxics-free
                    materials that do not contain asthmagens or respiratory
                    sensitizers, giving priority in the use of those funds
                    under this subparagraph, to the greatest extent
                    practicable, to supporting emergency home repairs that
                    foster energy efficiency, decarbonization, and
                    household resilience, including through beneficial
                    electrification of heating and cooling'';
                        (B) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated--
                                (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
                            ``and'' at the end; and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                        ``(E) ensure that--
                                ``(i) the home energy supplier will not
                            charge late fees for any payment, by a
                            household receiving assistance through the
                            program funded under section 2602(b), during
                            the period beginning 6 months before and ending
                            6 months after a date on which the supplier
                            receives funds through the program for the
                            household; and
                                ``(ii) if the supplier receives funds
                            through the program for such a household and
                            charged such late fees during that period, the
                            supplier shall refund the fees to the household
                            not later than 7 days after the date the
                            supplier receives the funds;
                        ``(F) ensure that the home energy supplier will not
                    shut off home energy from a household that received
                    assistance through the program funded under section
                    2602(b), within the 2-year period beginning on the date
                    the household received the assistance;
                        ``(G) ensure that the home energy supplier, in
                    return for receiving funds through the program funded
                    under section 2602(b)--
                                ``(i) will provide to the State data on
                            households that have not paid their home energy
                            bills, to enable the State and the supplier to
                            carry out coordinated outreach concerning
                            assistance available through the program funded
                            under section 2602(b); and
                                ``(ii) will, when sending a notice of late
                            payments to such households, include
                            information on such assistance, on how to
                            access such assistance through the program, and
                            on eligibility criteria for the program; and
                        ``(H) ensure that the home energy supplier will,
                    not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
                    the Energy Bills Relief Act, in return for receiving
                    assistance under the program funded under section
                    2602(b) and through a partnership with the State, offer
                    a low-income energy affordability payment program;'';
                    and
                        (C) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated--
                                (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                        (I) by striking ``10 percent'' and
                                    inserting ``15 percent''; and
                                        (II) by striking ``and'' at the
                                    end; and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                        ``(C) in planning and administering that program,
                    the State shall use the portion of the amount described
                    in subparagraph (A), that exceeds 10 percent of the
                    funds described in subparagraph (A), to expand the
                    State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the
                    State operates the program on a year-round basis; and
                        ``(D) in planning and administering that program,
                    the State--
                                ``(i) shall make technological changes to
                            allow, not later than 5 years after the date of
                            enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, for
                            online submission of applications for
                            assistance through that program; and
                                ``(ii) shall, to the extent practicable--
                                        ``(I) conduct outreach activities,
                                    including activities to increase
                                    enrollment as described in subsection
                                    (p);
                                        ``(II) ensure that all HEAP
                                    coordinators in the State receive
                                    wages, for administration funded under
                                    section 2602(b), at not less than the
                                    greater of $15 per hour or the
                                    applicable Federal, State, or local
                                    minimum wage rate;
                                        ``(III) conduct training for HEAP
                                    coordinators, State agency staff, and
                                    community partners on best practices
                                    for outreach, application processing,
                                    and assisting eligible households;
                                        ``(IV) as needed, conduct outreach
                                    relating to the program funded under
                                    section 2602(b) to rural electric
                                    cooperatives, home energy suppliers
                                    owned by a political subdivision of a
                                    State, such as a municipally owned
                                    electric utility, and home energy
                                    suppliers owned by any agency,
                                    authority, corporation, or
                                    instrumentality of a political
                                    subdivision of a State; and
                                        ``(V) ensure autoenrollment of
                                    eligible households into the program
                                    funded under section 2602(b), and in
                                    the process document any potential
                                    barriers to autoenrollment that need to
                                    be clarified or otherwise addressed at
                                    the Federal level;'';
                (2) in subsection (c)(1)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                        (B) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as
                    subparagraph (I); and
                        (C) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
                    following:
                ``(H) describes how the State will expand the State program
            funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the
            program on a year-round basis in accordance with subsection
            (b)(10)(C) and the measures the State has taken so far to carry
            out that expansion; and''; and
                (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(m) The Secretary shall allow, to the greatest extent possible,
    eligible households to obtain assistance with minimal administrative
    burden, by carrying out subsection (c)(1)(A)(i).
        ``(n) The Secretary shall, by grant or contract, provide for a
    study that examines the rates of home energy shutoffs and assessments
    of late fees among eligible households, relative to those rates for
    households that are not eligible households, over a period of several
    years.
        ``(o) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States to
    support partnerships described in subsection (b)(8)(H).
        ``(p)(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
    Education, shall issue guidance for use of funds for administrative
    activities described in subsection (b)(10) to increase, through
    partnerships with elementary schools, secondary schools, and local
    educational agencies, enrollment in the program funded under section
    2602(b) among eligible households that include children and that have
    high energy burdens.
        ``(2) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on
    outreach relating to assistance through the program funded under
    section 2602(b) to high-risk individuals, with relevant medical
    conditions, that benefit from the use of medical equipment that
    requires electricity, including a ventilator, an oxygen concentrator,
    or another medical device that requires electricity.
        ``(3) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on how
    to ensure that eligible households are aware of additional grants, tax
    credits, and rebates, made available under Public Law 117-169, or an
    amendment made by such law.
        ``(q) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
    Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall require each State
    receiving funds under this title, including allotments under subsection
    (a) or (e) of section 2604, to develop and update as necessary, an
    action plan for a period of extreme heat, which shall describe how the
    State will use its allotments under this title to assist eligible
    households in covering cooling costs and mitigating heat-related health
    risks.
        ``(r) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
    Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of
    eligibility criteria for assistance under this title and identify
    additional vulnerable populations to include under such criteria, such
    as pregnant women, children, and individuals with medical conditions
    exacerbated by a period of extreme heat.
        ``(s) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy,
    shall require State energy offices receiving Federal funds under this
    title to develop plans--
                ``(1) to retrofit low-income housing stock to adapt to
            rising temperatures and address environmental hazards,
            including--
                        ``(A) deploying highly efficient cooling systems,
                    including heat pumps;
                        ``(B) expanding weatherization and passive cooling
                    strategies;
                        ``(C) addressing structural and health hazards,
                    including mold, lead, asbestos, and pest infections;
                    and
                        ``(D) ensuring that necessary electrical panel and
                    wiring upgrades are completed to support the
                    installation of cooling systems and energy efficiency
                    improvements; and
                ``(2) to assess and adapt existing (as of the date of
            development of the plan) shutoff policies to protect all
            households while considering the impact on energy affordability
            and energy grid reliability.
        ``(t)(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
    Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall submit a report to
    Congress that--
                ``(A) identifies safe residential temperature standards for
            federally assisted dwelling units, considering risks of periods
            of extreme heat and extreme cold and regional climate
            variations; and
                ``(B) proposes strategies to ensure compliance with the
            standards, including permitting covered utility allowances to
            be used for cooling assistance where feasible, taking into
            account regional climate variations and housing stock
            differences.
        ``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered utility allowance'
    means a utility allowance--
                ``(A) applicable to public housing dwelling units under
            section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
            1437a); or
                ``(B) under the housing choice voucher program under
            section 8(o)(2)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
            U.S.C. 1437f(o)(2)(D)).''.
        (f) Weatherization.--Section 2605(k) of the Low-Income Home Energy
    Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(k)) is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15 percent'' and
            inserting ``25 percent''; and
                (2) in paragraph (2)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
                    clause (i)--
                                (i) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and
                            inserting ``subparagraph (C)''; and
                                (ii) by striking ``the greater of 25
                            percent'' and inserting ``a portion equal to
                            the greater of 35 percent'';
                        (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
                    subparagraph (C); and
                        (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
                    following:
        ``(B) The State--
                ``(i) shall, to the extent practicable--
                        ``(I) use the portion described in subparagraph (A)
                    for energy-related home repair that reduces dependence
                    on fossil fuel energy sources; and
                        ``(II) use the portion to facilitate the use of
                    funds made available under section 2602(b) to increase
                    the participation of eligible households in community
                    solar programs, or to otherwise increase access to and
                    ownership of distributed renewable energy
                    infrastructure among eligible households; and
                ``(ii) shall if possible give the highest priority to using
            the portion for home repair that replaces appliances that rely
            on fossil fuels with appliances that use electric heating or
            cooling technology, powered by renewable energy.''.
        (g) Home Energy Payment Arrears Data Collection.--Section 2605 of
    the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624), as
    amended by subsection (e), is further amended by adding at the end the
    following:
        ``(u)(1)(A) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
    Energy, shall develop a standardized template for States and home
    energy suppliers to use to track and report data on eligible households
    in arrears in home energy payments, including data on the related fees
    and disconnections for such households.
        ``(B) The template developed under subparagraph (A) shall--
                ``(i) include a definition of an eligible household in
            arrears, with respect to home energy payments, as an eligible
            household that has not made payment on a home energy bill for
            more than 60 to 90 days, as determined by the State agency or
            local coordinating agency, unless otherwise specified by State
            law;
                ``(ii) include metrics on related disconnections, late
            fees, reconnections, and arrearage balances for eligible
            households; and
                ``(iii) align with existing (as of the date of the
            development) Federal and State reporting mechanisms where
            applicable.
        ``(2) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
    Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the
    Secretary of Energy, issue guidance on best practices for States
    (including through partnerships with home energy suppliers) to pay for
    home energy payment arrearages with assistance provided through the
    program funded under section 2602(b), including by paying for such
    arrearages at the time of dissemination of assistance through that
    program. Such guidance shall prohibit any home energy supplier
    receiving funds through the program from recovering arrearage
    assistance costs through rate increases or other charges to customers,
    including cost recovery mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-
    income households.
        ``(3) To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of
    Energy shall jointly--
                ``(A) implement a data tracking system, aligned with the
            standardized reporting template developed under paragraph (1),
            to collect aggregate data regarding the number of eligible
            households in arrears and their respective energy burdens and
            develop recommendations to HEAP coordinators on how to minimize
            energy burdens for the households; and
                ``(B) issue guidance to home energy suppliers with
            recommendations for working with State agencies to address home
            energy payment arrearages of eligible households.
        ``(4) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy,
    may make grants to States to assist the States in implementing data
    tracking and reporting requirements under this subsection.
        ``(5) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
    subsection such sums as may be necessary.''.
        (h) Program Name Change.--
                (1) LIHEAP.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of
            1981 is amended--
                        (A) in section 2607A(b) (42 U.S.C. 8626a(b)), in
                    the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``low-
                    income'' the first place it appears; and
                        (B) in section 2607B(e)(2)(B)(ii) (42 U.S.C.
                    8626b(e)(2)(B)(ii)), by striking ``Low-Income''.
                (2) Other law.--A reference in any other Federal law (other
            than that Act), Executive order, rule, regulation, or
            delegation of authority, or any document, of or relating to the
            Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, shall be deemed to
            refer to the Home Energy Assistance Program.
        (i) Just Transition Grants.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
    Act of 1981 is amended by inserting after section 2607B (42 U.S.C.
    8626b) the following:

    ``SEC. 2607C. HEAP ENERGY AFFORDABILITY AND RESILIENCE GRANTS.

        ``(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Energy
    shall jointly carry out a grant program under this section. In carrying
    out the program, the Secretaries shall make grants for a period of 3
    years to States, Tribes, and local governments to support the
    development and implementation of interagency plans to reduce energy
    burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans
    shall promote the reduction of those burdens in a manner that supports
    sustained reductions in household energy costs through improved energy
    efficiency, reliability, and access to cost-saving technologies. The
    Secretaries shall make the grants for a period of 3 years.
        ``(b) Preferences.--In making the grants, the Secretary shall give
    a preference to States, Tribes, and local governments, who set up
    coordination systems--
                ``(1) to identify eligible households, that are recipients
            of assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b),
            with high home energy use;
                ``(2) to prioritize eligible households with the highest
            energy burdens and lowest incomes, in alignment with the
            priority provisions in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
            2605(b), to receive emergency repair, weatherization, and
            retrofit assistance that results in decarbonization and
            reductions in energy use; and
                ``(3) to partner with entities carrying out workforce
            development initiatives, unions, or business enterprises owned
            by individuals that are socially disadvantaged to provide
            emergency repairs, weatherization, and retrofit assistance.
        ``(c) Report to Congress.--At the conclusion of the 3-year grant
    period, the Secretaries shall--
                ``(1) conduct an evaluation of the program's outcomes; and
                ``(2) prepare and submit to Congress a report containing
            the results of the evaluation and policy recommendations.''.
        (j) Conforming Amendments.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
    Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended--
                (1) in section 2607B(e)(2)(K) (42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(K)) by
            striking ``paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9), (10), (11),
            (12), (13), and (14) of section 2605(b)'' and inserting
            ``paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (10), (11), (12), (13),
            (14), and (15) of section 2605(b)''; and
                (2) in section 2610(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 8629) by striking
            ``clauses (2), (5), (8), and (15) of section 2605(b)'' and
            inserting ``paragraphs (2), (6), (9), and (16) of section
            2605(b)''.

    SEC. 202. HOME WEATHERIZATION.

        (a) Enhancement and Innovation.--Section 414D of the Energy
    Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6864d) is amended by
    striking subsection (k).
        (b) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--Section 415(c)(1) of the
    Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(1)) is
    amended by striking ``$6,500'' and inserting ``$12,000''.
        (c) Clarification of Reweatherization Limitation.--Section
    415(c)(2) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C.
    6865(c)(2)) is amended--
                (1) by striking ``, or under other Federal programs'';
                (2) by striking ``, may'' and inserting ``may''; and
                (3) by striking ``or under other Federal programs, or from
            receiving non-Federal assistance for weatherization''.
        (d) Renewable Energy Systems.--Section 415(c) of the Energy
    Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)) is amended by
    striking paragraph (4).
        (e) Weatherization Readiness Program.--
                (1) In general.--The Energy Conservation and Production Act
            is amended by adding after section 414E (42 U.S.C. 6864e) the
            following section:

    ``SEC. 414F. WEATHERIZATION READINESS PROGRAM.

        ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a
    weatherization readiness program to provide grants to States, Indian
    tribes, and tribal organizations to implement measures to make dwelling
    units occupied by low-income persons ready to receive weatherization
    measures pursuant to the weatherization program conducted under this
    part by addressing structural, plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues
    and environmental hazards, and implementing other measures that the
    Secretary determines to be appropriate, to reduce the frequency of
    deferrals of such weatherization measures when the condition of a
    dwelling unit renders delivery of weatherization measures unsafe or
    ineffective.
        ``(b) Alignment of Requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in
    this section, to the extent possible, the Secretary shall, in
    establishing the weatherization readiness program under this section--
                ``(1) align the requirements of such weatherization
            readiness program with the requirements of the weatherization
            program conducted under this part; and
                ``(2) seek to reduce barriers to leveraging other sources
            of funding for weatherization readiness measures.
        ``(c) Savings-to-Investment Ratio.--The weatherization readiness
    program established under this section shall not include a savings-to-
    investment ratio requirement.
        ``(d) Previous Weatherization.--Weatherization readiness measures
    implemented pursuant to the weatherization readiness program
    established under this section shall not be considered previous
    weatherization for purposes of section 415(c)(2).
        ``(e) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--The Secretary shall
    establish, or require a State grantee to establish, a limit for
    expenditures for weatherization readiness measures, including labor,
    materials, and related matters, to be implemented with respect to a
    dwelling unit, on an average cost per unit basis, pursuant to the
    weatherization readiness program established under this section.
        ``(f) Allocation of Funds.--
                ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall allocate funding
            made available under this section to States and tribal
            organizations in a manner consistent with the allocation of
            financial assistance for weatherization assistance under the
            weatherization program conducted under this part.
                ``(2) Updated allocation.--Not sooner than October 1, 2029,
            the Secretary, in consultation with States and tribal
            organizations, may, by rule, update the method to allocate
            funding to States and tribal organizations under this section
            to more accurately reflect the relative need for funding for
            weatherization readiness measures among low-income persons
            throughout the States and Indian tribes.
        ``(g) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than an amount equal to 15
    percent of any grant made by the Secretary under this section may be
    used for administrative purposes, except that not more than one-half of
    such amount may be used by any State for such purposes.
        ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to
    carry out this section.''.
                (2) Table of contents amendment.--The table of contents for
            the Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding
            after the item relating to section 414E the following:

    ``Sec. 414F. Weatherization readiness program.''.
        (f) Reauthorization of Weatherization Assistance Program.--
    Paragraph (2) of section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Production
    Act (42 U.S.C. 6872) is amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting
    ``2030''.

    SEC. 203. REFLECTIVE ROOFING.

        (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry out a
    program to provide rebates to eligible households for the purchase and
    installation of eligible cool roof products.
        (b) Rebate Amount.--The amount of a rebate provided under the
    program established under subsection (a) shall be--
                (1) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed
            on a low-sloped roof--
                        (A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool
                    roof product has--
                                (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
                            of 0.65 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
                            emittance of 0.75; or
                                (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
                            Reflectance Index of 78; and
                        (B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool
                    roof product has--
                                (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
                            of 0.75 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
                            emittance of 0.75; or
                                (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
                            Reflectance Index of 92; and
                (2) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed
            on a steep-sloped roof--
                        (A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool
                    roof product has--
                                (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
                            of 0.25 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
                            emittance of 0.75; or
                                (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
                            Reflectance Index of 23; and
                        (B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool
                    roof product has--
                                (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance
                            of 0.40 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal
                            emittance of 0.75; or
                                (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar
                            Reflectance Index of 43.
        (c) Combining Rebates.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
    to prohibit an eligible household from receiving any other grant,
    rebate, or other financial assistance with respect to the same eligible
    cool roof product for which a rebate is provided under the program
    established under subsection (a).
        (d) Low-Income and High Energy Burden Households.--In implementing
    this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less that 40 percent
    of total incremental energy savings achieved under this program in a
    given year shall accrue to households that in the determination of the
    Secretary are low-income or experience a disproportionately high energy
    burden.
        (e) Participation Statements.--Each State and each retail
    electricity supplier shall publish on an annual basis an impact
    statement that disaggregates participation under this section by income
    and demographic characteristics, savings, and health outcomes.
        (f) Termination Date.--The program established under subsection (a)
    shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
        (g) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 6 months after the
    program established under subsection (a) terminates, the Secretary
    shall submit to Congress a report describing, for each program
    participant--
                (1) whether the participant used the rebate to help
            retrofit an old roof or install a new roof;
                (2) if the participant retrofitted an old roof, which older
            roof product the new eligible cool roof product replaced or
            covered; and
                (3) what eligible cool roof product the participant
            purchased using the rebate.
        (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2026 through 2030.
        (i) Definitions.--In this Act:
                (1) 3-year aged.--The term ``3-year aged'' means, with
            respect to solar reflectance or thermal emittance of an
            eligible cool roof product, the solar reflectance or thermal
            emittance is tested after completing 3 years of field exposure,
            or tested after laboratory exposure that has replicated the
            effects of 3 years of natural exposure if the eligible cool
            roof product has begun but not yet completed field exposure, in
            accordance with the most recent standard issued by the American
            National Standard Institute and Cool Roof Rating Council, S100-
            2021.
                (2) Eligible cool roof product.--The term ``eligible cool
            roof product'' means a product that has a rating from the Cool
            Roof Rating Council.
                (3) Eligible household.--
                        (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                    (B), the term ``eligible household'' means an
                    individual or family--
                                (i) residing in a single-family or multi-
                            family building;
                                (ii) the total annual income of which is
                            less than 200 percent of the median income of
                            the ZIP Code in which the individual or family
                            resides (as reported by the Department of
                            Housing and Urban Development); and
                                (iii) residing in a ZIP Code Tabulation
                            Area that is in the 75th percentile or higher
                            of the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for
                            Disease Control and Prevention.
                        (B) Alaska, hawaii, and territories.--With respect
                    to an individual or family residing in Alaska, Hawaii,
                    or a territory of the United States, until the date
                    that their respective State or territory is added to
                    the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease
                    Control and Prevention, the term ``eligible household''
                    means that such individual or family--
                                (i) resides in a single-family or multi-
                            family building; and
                                (ii) has a total annual income that is less
                            than 200 percent of the median income of the
                            ZIP Code in which the individual or family
                            resides (as reported by the Department of
                            Housing and Urban Development).
                (4) Incident solar flux.--The term ``incident solar flux''
            means the solar power per unit area that strikes a surface.
                (5) Low-sloped roof.--The term ``low-sloped roof'' means a
            roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) of 2:12 or less.
                (6) Radiant heat flux.--The term ``radiant heat flux''
            means the radiant power per unit area.
                (7) Reflected solar flux.--The term ``reflected solar
            flux'' means the solar power per unit area reflected from a
            surface.
                (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
                (9) Solar reflectance.--The term ``solar reflectance''
            means the ratio of reflected solar flux to the incident solar
            flux.
                (10) Solar reflectance index.--The term ``Solar Reflectance
            Index'' means a calculated value that combines solar
            reflectance with thermal emittance into a single metric, in
            accordance with section 2.2.9. of the Cool Roof Rating
            Council's Roof Product Rating Program Manual.
                (11) Steep-sloped roof.--The term ``steep-sloped roof''
            means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) greater than
            2:12.
                (12) Thermal emittance.--The term ``thermal emittance''
            means the ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a material
            tested at a temperature near 300 kelvin.

    SEC. 204. DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS PRICE PROTECTION.

        (a) Exportation of Natural Gas.--
                (1) Exportation of natural gas.--Section 3 of the Natural
            Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended by adding at the end the
            following:
        ``(g) Exportation of Natural Gas.--
                ``(1) Order required.--No person shall export any natural
            gas from the United States to a foreign country without first
            having secured an order of the Secretary of Energy authorizing
            it to do so. The Secretary of Energy may issue such order upon
            application only if, after opportunity for hearing, the
            Secretary of Energy finds that the proposed exportation will be
            consistent with the public interest. The Secretary of Energy
            may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part,
            with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as
            the Secretary of Energy may find necessary or appropriate, and
            may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for
            good cause shown, issue such supplemental order for such
            exportation as it may find necessary or appropriate.
                ``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary of Energy shall find whether
            proposed exportation of natural gas will be consistent with the
            public interest under paragraph (1) by not later than the date
            that is 1 year after the later of--
                        ``(A) the date on which the Secretary of Energy
                    receives the final environmental impact statement for
                    such proposed exportation from the Federal Energy
                    Regulatory Commission; and
                        ``(B) the date on which the Secretary completes
                    each assessment required by paragraph (4).
                ``(3) Public interest finding.--The Secretary of Energy may
            find that proposed exportation of natural gas for which an
            application is submitted under paragraph (1) will be consistent
            with the public interest under such paragraph only if the
            Secretary of Energy determines, based on the applicable
            assessment under paragraph (4), that the proposed exportation
            of natural gas will not be likely to--
                        ``(A) significantly contribute to climate change,
                    including by slowing the global energy transition
                    needed to achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse
                    gas emissions within the next decade and net-zero
                    global greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;
                        ``(B) materially increase energy prices or energy
                    price volatility for any segment of United States
                    consumers; or
                        ``(C) create a disproportionate cumulative burden
                    of adverse human or environmental impacts on Tribes and
                    communities with environmental justice concerns,
                    including in rural and urban low-income areas.
                ``(4) Assessments.--
                        ``(A) Climate change assessment.--A determination
                    under paragraph (3)(A) shall be based on an assessment
                    of the expected impact of the proposed exportation of
                    natural gas on climate change. Such assessment shall be
                    based on the latest scientific information and use the
                    20-year global warming potential of methane, and shall
                    include--
                                ``(i) quantified estimates of the
                            greenhouse gas emissions associated with the
                            full lifecycle of the natural gas proposed for
                            exportation, including emissions associated
                            with the extraction, transportation,
                            liquefaction, storage, regasification, and
                            consumption of such natural gas;
                                ``(ii) a comparison of the estimated
                            greenhouse gas emissions in clause (i) to a
                            baseline that is consistent with the need to
                            achieve deep reductions of global greenhouse
                            gas emissions within the next decade and deep
                            decarbonization pathways toward net-zero global
                            greenhouse gas emissions not later than 2050;
                                ``(iii) an assessment of the potential
                            effects of the proposed exportation of natural
                            gas on clean energy alternatives, including--
                                        ``(I) any decrease in global
                                    investment in and deployment of
                                    renewable energy, electrification, and
                                    energy efficiency and conservation
                                    technologies; and
                                        ``(II) any decrease in United
                                    States exports of clean energy
                                    technologies;
                                ``(iv) quantified estimates of the social
                            cost of the estimated greenhouse gas emissions
                            in clause (i); and
                                ``(v) an identification of the extent to
                            which climate change is accelerating the loss
                            of economic value in the United States and,
                            separately, in other countries, due to rising
                            sea levels, more intense storms, eroding
                            coasts, increased risk and severity of
                            wildfires, and other impacts associated with
                            climate change.
                        ``(B) Economic assessment.--A determination under
                    paragraph (3)(B) shall be based on an assessment of the
                    expected economic impact of the proposed exportation of
                    natural gas, including an assessment of the impact of
                    the proposed exportation on all United States
                    consumers, with specific estimates regarding each of
                    the following consumer subgroups:
                                ``(i) Low-income consumers.
                                ``(ii) Working families.
                                ``(iii) Small businesses.
                                ``(iv) Manufacturers.
                                ``(v) State, Tribal, and local governments.
                                ``(vi) Producers and users of fertilizer.
                                ``(vii) Facilities with high electricity
                            demand, including data centers.
                        ``(C) Environmental justice assessment.--A
                    determination under paragraph (3)(C) shall be based on
                    an assessment of the expected impact of the proposed
                    exportation of natural gas on environmental justice
                    (which shall be consistent with Executive Order 14096
                    (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to revitalizing our
                    Nation's commitment to environmental justice for all),
                    as published April 21, 2023), including assessments of
                    impacts on--
                                ``(i) the preexisting cumulative
                            environmental burdens and social and health
                            risks posed to Tribes and communities with
                            environmental justice concerns, including in
                            rural and urban low-income areas;
                                ``(ii) local fisheries and the economic
                            livelihood of the people employed by local
                            fisheries;
                                ``(iii) racial and socioeconomic
                            disparities in impacted communities; and
                                ``(iv) compliance with civil rights laws.
                ``(5) Public participation.--The Secretary of Energy
            shall--
                        ``(A) provide to the public an opportunity to
                    meaningfully participate, including by providing
                    comments, in--
                                ``(i) the finding of the Secretary of
                            Energy on whether proposed exportation will be
                            consistent with the public interest under
                            paragraph (1); and
                                ``(ii) any study by the Department of
                            Energy intended to inform such finding; and
                        ``(B) ensure that opportunities to meaningfully
                    participate under subparagraph (A) address barriers
                    that affect members of communities with environmental
                    justice concerns, including those related to
                    disability, language access, and lack of resources.
                ``(6) Major federal action.--Issuing an order authorizing
            the exportation of natural gas under this subsection shall be
            considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of
            the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
            4332(2)(C)).''.
                (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 3 of the Natural Gas
            Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended--
                        (A) in subsection (a)--
                                (i) by striking ``export any natural gas
                            from the United States to a foreign country
                            or'';
                                (ii) by inserting ``to the United States''
                            after ``from a foreign country''; and
                                (iii) by striking ``exportation or''; and
                        (B) in subsection (c)--
                                (i) by striking ``, or the exportation of
                            natural gas to a nation with which there is in
                            effect a free trade agreement requiring
                            national treatment for trade in natural gas,'';
                            and
                                (ii) by striking ``or exportation''.
        (b) Process Coordination; Hearings; Rules of Procedure.--Section
    15(b)(1) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717n(b)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``Commission'' and inserting ``Federal Energy Regulatory
    Commission''.
        (c) Termination of Categorical Exclusion for Approval or
    Disapproval of the Exportation of Natural Gas.--The categorical
    exclusion under B5.7 of appendix B to subpart D of part 1021 of title
    10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export of natural gas and
    associated transportation by marine vessel), shall have no force or
    effect.
        (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall, after public notice and
    comment, issue a rule to carry out this Act and the amendments made by
    this Act.

    SEC. 205. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS.

        Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
                (1) in subsection (b)--
                        (A) in paragraph (1)--
                                (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or''
                            at the end;
                                (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
                            subparagraph (D); and
                                (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
                            the following:
                        ``(C) any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
                    the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
                    Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));'';
                (2) in subsection (c)--
                        (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
                    Grants'' after ``Loans'';
                        (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
                    following:
                ``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
            subsection, the Secretary shall provide--
                        ``(A) loans to eligible entities that agree to use
                    the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to
                    qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing
                    energy efficiency measures; and
                        ``(B) at the election of any eligible entity that
                    receives a loan under subparagraph (A), a grant in
                    accordance with paragraph (10).'';
                        (C) in paragraph (2)--
                                (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
                            ``for loans'' after ``Requirements''; and
                                (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking
                            ``that is'';
                        (D) in paragraph (5)--
                                (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
                            (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
                            indenting the clauses appropriately;
                                (ii) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
                            so redesignated), by striking ``With respect to
                            a loan under paragraph (1)'' and inserting the
                            following:
                        ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    with respect to a loan under paragraph (1)(A)''; and
                                (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                        ``(B) Extensions.--The Secretary may extend the
                    term of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the
                    deadline for the repayment of an advance under
                    subparagraph (A)(ii), as the Secretary determines to be
                    appropriate.'';
                        (E) in paragraph (7)--
                                (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                            ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph
                            (1)(A)''; and
                                (ii) in subparagraph (C), in the matter
                            preceding clause (i), by striking ``Repayment
                            of the special advance'' and inserting
                            ``Subject to an applicable extension under
                            paragraph (5)(B), repayment of a special
                            advance under this paragraph'';
                        (F) in paragraph (8), by striking ``paragraph (1)''
                    and inserting ``paragraph (1)(A)''; and
                        (G) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(10) Grants.--
                        ``(A) In general.--At the election of an eligible
                    entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the
                    Secretary shall provide to the eligible entity a grant
                    to pay for a portion of the costs incurred in--
                                ``(i) applying for the loan;
                                ``(ii) making a loan to a qualified
                            consumer under subsection (d);
                                ``(iii) making repairs to the property of a
                            qualified consumer that facilitate the energy
                            efficiency measures for the property financed
                            through a loan provided to the qualified
                            consumer under subsection (d);
                                ``(iv) entering into a contract under
                            subsection (e); or
                                ``(v) carrying out any other duties of the
                            eligible entity under this section.
                        ``(B) Amount.--
                                ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                            clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to
                            an eligible entity under this paragraph shall
                            be equal to not more than 5 percent of the
                            amount of the loan provided to the eligible
                            entity under this subsection.
                                ``(ii) Persistent poverty counties.--The
                            amount of a grant provided under this paragraph
                            to an eligible entity that will use the grant
                            to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified
                            consumers located in a persistent poverty
                            county (as determined by the Secretary) shall
                            be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the
                            loan provided to the eligible entity under this
                            subsection.'';
                (3) in subsection (d)--
                        (A) in paragraph (1)--
                                (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                            (A), by inserting ``or grant'' before
                            ``funds''; and
                                (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                        (I) by striking ``(B) shall
                                    finance'' and inserting the following:
                        ``(B)(i) may have a term and amortization schedule
                    the length of which is the useful life of the energy
                    efficiency measures implemented using the loan,
                    provided that the loan to the qualified consumer does
                    not exceed 20 years; and
                        ``(ii) shall finance''; and
                                        (II) in clause (ii) (as so
                                    designated), by striking ``a loan term
                                    of not more than 10 years'' and
                                    inserting ``the applicable loan term
                                    described in clause (i)'';
                (4) in subsection (e)--
                        (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting
                    ``Outreach,'' after ``Training,'';
                        (B) in paragraph (1)--
                                (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and
                            technical assistance of the program'' and
                            inserting ``outreach, and technical assistance
                            relating to the program under this section'';
                            and
                                (ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting
                            ``, outreach,'' after ``technical assistance'';
                            and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(3) Funding.--Of the amounts made available under
            subsection (i), the Secretary may use such sums as are
            necessary to provide outreach, training, and technical
            assistance under this subsection.''; and
                (5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2030''.

          TITLE III--UNCLOGGING THE LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY BOTTLENECK

    SEC. 301. EXPEDITED GENERATOR INTERCONNECTION.

        (a) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
            transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
                        (A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
                    reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
                    facilities and transmission technologies;
                        (B) is installed in addition to new or existing
                    transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
                                (i) to give operators of the transmission
                            facilities and transmission technologies more
                            situational awareness and control over the
                            electric grid;
                                (ii) to make the transmission facilities
                            and transmission technologies more efficient;
                            or
                                (iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
                            the transmission facilities and transmission
                            technologies; and
                        (C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
                    ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
                    advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
                    physical systems that increase the usable transfer
                    capability of the grid.
                (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (3) Energy storage project.--The term ``energy storage
            project'' means--
                        (A) any equipment that receives, stores, and
                    delivers energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped
                    hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis),
                    thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells,
                    flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or
                    other technologies identified by the Commission; and
                        (B) any project for the construction or
                    modification of equipment described in subparagraph (A)
                    as part of an effort to build-out transmission
                    interconnection opportunities.
                (4) Generation project.--The term ``generation project''
            means--
                        (A) any facility--
                                (i) that generates or injects electricity;
                            and
                                (ii) for which an interconnection request
                            is subject to the jurisdiction of the
                            Commission; and
                        (B) any project for the construction or
                    modification of a facility described in subparagraph
                    (A).
                (5) Interconnection customer.--The term ``interconnection
            customer'' means a person or entity that has submitted an
            interconnection request.
                (6) Interconnection request.--The term ``interconnection
            request'' means a request submitted to a public utility to
            interconnect a new generation project or energy storage project
            to the electric system of a public utility for the purposes of
            transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce or the
            sale of electric energy at wholesale.
                (7) Public utility.--The term ``public utility'' has the
            meaning given the term in section 201(e) of the Federal Power
            Act (16 U.S.C. 824(e)).
                (8) Transmission facility.--The term ``transmission
            facility'' means a facility that is used for the transmission
            of electric energy in interstate commerce.
                (9) Transmission provider.--The term ``transmission
            provider'' means a public utility that owns, operates, or
            controls 1 or more transmission facilities.
                (10) Transmission system.--The term ``transmission system''
            means a network of transmission facilities used for the
            transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce.
        (b) Rulemaking To Expedite Generator Interconnection Procedures.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a
            rulemaking--
                        (A) to address the inefficiencies and
                    ineffectiveness of existing procedures for processing
                    interconnection requests to ensure that new generation
                    projects and energy storage projects can interconnect
                    quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably;
                        (B) to invalidate expedited interconnection
                    processes, using its section 206 authority, that have
                    been adopted in 2025 or 2026 and which are not in the
                    pro forma interconnection agreement and which use
                    eligibility criteria that have disproportionately
                    selected natural gas and coal projects in comparison to
                    other projects such as, wind, solar and electric
                    battery storage projects; and
                        (C) to revise the pro forma Large Generator
                    Interconnection Procedures and, as appropriate, the pro
                    forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement,
                    promulgated pursuant to section 35.28(f) of title 18,
                    Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations),
                    to require transmission providers--
                                (i) to develop and employ modeling
                            assumptions for each resource type based on
                            actual operating abilities and practices, for
                            the purposes of studying an interconnection
                            request, provided that the Commission shall not
                            rely on such modeling assumptions to study
                            projects out of queue priority;
                                (ii) to study interconnection requests in a
                            manner consistent with the risk tolerance of
                            the interconnection customer;
                                (iii) to establish simplified and
                            standardized study pathways for small-scale or
                            community-based generation projects, including
                            distributed energy resources and projects
                            serving low-income communities;
                                (iv) to select, as appropriate, 1 or more
                            cost-effective solutions to address network
                            reliability needs that may be identified while
                            studying an interconnection request;
                                (v) to provide sufficient information to
                            interconnection customers for the
                            interconnection customers to understand how a
                            transmission provider has implemented the
                            assumptions and solutions described in clauses
                            (i) and (iv);
                                (vi) to share and employ, as appropriate,
                            queue management best practices, including with
                            respect to the use of computing technologies,
                            such as artificial intelligence, machine
                            learning, and automation, as well as
                            standardized study criteria, in evaluating and
                            processing interconnection requests, in order
                            to expedite study results with respect to those
                            requests; and
                                (vii) to implement transparency and
                            performance-enhancing measures and requirements
                            that transmission providers consider advanced
                            transmission technologies to ensure timely and
                            cost-conscious construction of necessary
                            network upgrades once an interconnection
                            agreement has been executed.
                (2) Deadline for final rule.--Not later than 12 months
            after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
            promulgate a final rule to complete the rulemaking initiated
            under paragraph (1).
                (3) Deadline for compliance filings.--The Commission shall
            require each applicable Transmission Provider subject to the
            final rule issued pursuant to this rulemaking to submit their
            compliance filings within 60 days of the issuance of the final
            order, and the Commission shall have 60 days thereafter to
            approve or reject the compliance filing. Any subsequent
            compliance filing thereafter shall be subject to these same
            timing requirements.
                (4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section alters, or may
            be construed to alter, the allocation of costs of the
            transmission system pursuant to the ratemaking authority of the
            Commission under section 205 of the Federal Power Act (16
            U.S.C. 824d).

    SEC. 302. ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES.

        (a) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (2) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
            transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
                        (A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
                    reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
                    facilities and transmission technologies;
                        (B) is installed in addition to new or existing
                    transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
                                (i) to give operators of the transmission
                            facilities and transmission technologies more
                            situational awareness and control over the
                            electric grid;
                                (ii) to make the transmission facilities
                            and transmission technologies more efficient;
                            or
                                (iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
                            the transmission facilities and transmission
                            technologies; and
                        (C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
                    ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
                    advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
                    physical systems that increase the usable transfer
                    capability of the grid.
                (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
        (b) Shared Savings Incentive for Advanced Transmission
    Technologies.--
                (1) Definition of developer.--In this subsection, the term
            ``developer'', with respect to advanced transmission
            technology, means the entity that pays to install the advanced
            transmission technology.
                (2) Establishment of shared savings incentive.--Not later
            than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
            Commission shall promulgate a final rule to implement section
            219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)) by
            providing a shared savings incentive that returns a portion of
            the savings attributable to an investment in advanced
            transmission technology to the developer of that advanced
            transmission technology, in accordance with this subsection.
            The Commission may also establish alternative incentive
            mechanisms, including performance-based rate adjustments,
            accelerated depreciation, or return-on-equity adders, for
            utilities or transmission owners for which a shared-savings
            approach is impracticable.
                (3) Requirements.--
                        (A) In general.--The Commission shall determine the
                    percentage of savings attributable to an investment in
                    advanced transmission technology that can be returned
                    to the developer of that advanced transmission
                    technology pursuant to the shared savings incentive
                    established under paragraph (2), subject to the
                    conditions that the percentage--
                                (i) is not less than 10 percent and not
                            more than 25 percent;
                                (ii) is not determined on a per-project,
                            per-investment, or case-by-case basis; and
                                (iii) is applied consistently to all
                            investments in advanced transmission technology
                            eligible for the shared savings incentive,
                            regardless of the type of advanced transmission
                            technology installed.
                        (B) Time period for recovery.--The shared savings
                    incentive established under paragraph (2) shall return
                    a percentage, determined in accordance with
                    subparagraph (A), of the applicable savings to the
                    developer of the applicable advanced transmission
                    technology over a period of 10 years.
                (4) Eligibility.--Subject to paragraph (5), the shared
            savings incentive established under paragraph (2) shall apply
            with respect to--
                        (A) any developer, with respect to the investment
                    of that developer in advanced transmission technology
                    that is installed as described in subsection (a)(2)(B);
                    and
                        (B) any advanced transmission technology,
                    including--
                                (i) advanced transmission technology that
                            relates to new transmission facilities or
                            transmission technologies; and
                                (ii) advanced transmission technology that
                            relates to existing transmission facilities or
                            transmission technologies.
                (5) Limitations.--
                        (A) Minimum savings.--
                                (i) In general.--The shared savings
                            incentive established under paragraph (2) shall
                            apply with respect to an investment in advanced
                            transmission technology only if the expected
                            savings attributable to the investment over the
                            3-year period described in paragraph (3)(B), as
                            determined by the Commission and appropriately
                            adjusted to reflect net present value of the
                            expected savings, are at least 2 times the cost
                            of the investment.
                                (ii) Determination.--
                                        (I) In general.--The Commission
                                    shall determine how to quantify the
                                    cost of an investment and the expected
                                    savings attributable to an investment
                                    for purposes of clause (i).
                                        (II) Costs.--For purposes of clause
                                    (i), the cost of an investment may
                                    include any costs associated with the
                                    permitting, installation, or purchase
                                    of the applicable advanced transmission
                                    technology.
                        (B) Already installed advanced transmission
                    technologies.--The shared savings incentive established
                    under paragraph (2) may not be applied with respect to
                    advanced transmission technology that is already
                    installed as of the date of enactment of this Act.
                        (C) Consumer protection.--The Commission shall
                    determine appropriate consumer protections for the
                    shared savings incentive established under paragraph
                    (2).
                (6) Evaluation and sunset of shared savings incentive.--
                        (A) Evaluation.--Not earlier than 7 years, and not
                    later than 10 years, after the shared savings incentive
                    is established under paragraph (2), the Commission
                    shall--
                                (i) evaluate the necessity and efficacy of
                            the shared savings incentive; and
                                (ii) determine whether to maintain, revise,
                            or suspend the shared savings incentive.
                        (B) Consideration of order no. 1920.--In conducting
                    the evaluation under subparagraph (A)(i), the
                    Commission shall consider--
                                (i) how the shared savings incentive aligns
                            with the requirement that advanced transmission
                            technologies be considered in long-term
                            regional transmission planning under Order No.
                            1920 of the Commission, entitled ``Building for
                            the Future Through Electric Regional
                            Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation'' (89
                            Fed. Reg. 49280 (June 11, 2024)) (or a
                            successor order);
                                (ii) whether and how the shared savings
                            incentive should be revised to further align
                            with that requirement; and
                                (iii) whether, in light of that
                            requirement, the shared savings incentive
                            should be maintained or suspended.
                        (C) Public comment.--In conducting the evaluation
                    under subparagraph (A)(i), the Commission shall provide
                    an opportunity for public comment, including by
                    stakeholders.
        (c) Congestion Reporting.--
                (1) Annual reports.--
                        (A) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1
                    year after the effective date of the rule promulgated
                    under paragraph (2), all operators of transmission
                    facilities or transmission technologies shall submit to
                    the Commission annual reports containing data on the
                    costs associated with congestion management with
                    respect to the transmission facilities or transmission
                    technologies, including all relevant constraints.
                        (B) Requirement.--Each annual report submitted
                    under subparagraph (A) shall identify--
                                (i) with respect to each reported
                            constraint that caused more than $500,000 in
                            associated costs--
                                        (I) the cause of the constraint,
                                    including physical infrastructure and
                                    transient disruptions; and
                                        (II) the next limiting element type
                                    and its identified rating limit; and
                                (ii) each constraint that will be addressed
                            by planned future upgrades to infrastructure
                            and facilities.
                (2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final
            rule establishing a universal metric and protocol for the
            measuring and reporting of data under paragraph (1).
                (3) Uses of data.--
                        (A) Analyses.--
                                (i) In general.--The Commission and the
                            Secretary shall each use the data submitted
                            under paragraph (1) to conduct analyses, as the
                            Commission or the Secretary, as applicable,
                            determines to be appropriate.
                                (ii) Coordination.--The Commission and the
                            Secretary may coordinate with respect to any
                            analyses conducted using the data submitted
                            under paragraph (1).
                        (B) Map.--The Commission and the Secretary, acting
                    jointly, shall--
                                (i) use the data submitted under paragraph
                            (1) to create a map of costs associated with
                            congestion management in the transmission
                            system; and
                                (ii) update that map not less frequently
                            than once each year.
                (4) Publication of data and map.--The Commission and the
            Secretary shall make the data submitted under paragraph (1) and
            the map described in paragraph (3)(B) publicly available on the
            websites of--
                        (A) the Commission; and
                        (B) the Department of Energy.
        (d) Advanced Transmission Technology Application Guide.--
                (1) Definition of developer.--In this section, the term
            ``developer'' means a developer of transmission facilities or
            transmission technologies, including a developer of
            transmission facilities or transmission technologies that pays
            to install advanced transmission technology with respect to
            those transmission facilities or transmission technologies.
                (2) Establishment of application guide.--Not later than 18
            months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
            shall establish an application guide for utilities and
            developers seeking to implement advanced transmission
            technologies.
                (3) Updates.--The guide established under paragraph (2)
            shall be reviewed and updated annually.
                (4) Technical assistance.--
                        (A) In general.--On request of a utility or
                    developer using the guide established under paragraph
                    (2), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance
                    to that utility or developer with respect to the use of
                    advanced transmission technologies for particular
                    applications.
                        (B) Clearinghouse.--In carrying out subparagraph
                    (A), the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse of
                    previously completed advanced transmission technology
                    projects that the Secretary, utilities, and developers
                    may use to identify issues and solutions relating to
                    the use of advanced transmission technologies for
                    particular applications.
                (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
            to be appropriated to carry out this Act, to remain available
            until expended--
                        (A) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
                        (B) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
                    through 2037.

    SEC. 303. ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMERS.

        (a) Defense Production Act.--There is authorized to be appropriated
    $2,100,000,000 for the President, acting through the Secretary of
    Energy, under the authority of title III of the Defense Production Act
    of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.), to expand domestic manufacturing of
    transformers and grid components, including amorphous steel, grain-
    oriented electrical steel, flexible transformers, circuit breakers,
    switchgear and substations to serve load and interconnect generation,
    and inverters and optimizers to integrate the influx of distributed
    generators.
        (b) Strategic Transformer Resilience Program.--
                (1) Definitions.--In this section:
                        (A) Bulk-power system; electric reliability
                    organization.--The terms ``bulk-power system'' and
                    ``Electric Reliability Organization'' have the meanings
                    given those terms in section 215(a) of the Federal
                    Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o(a)).
                        (B) Independent system operator; regional
                    transmission organization; state regulatory
                    authority.--The terms ``Independent System Operator'',
                    ``Regional Transmission Organization'', and ``State
                    regulatory authority'' have the meanings given those
                    terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
                    796).
                        (C) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
                    Secretary of Energy.
                (2) Strategy and report.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the
                    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
                    develop a strategy, and submit to the Committee on
                    Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
                    Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
                    Representatives a report identifying methods--
                                (i) to ensure that large power
                            transformers, generator step-up transformers,
                            power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
                            electrical steel, and other critical electric
                            grid equipment is strategically located to
                            ensure timely replacement of that equipment as
                            necessary to rapidly restore operation and
                            proper functioning of the electric grid in the
                            event of severe damage to the electric grid due
                            to physical attack, cyber attack,
                            electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic
                            disturbances, severe weather, climate change,
                            or seismic events; and
                                (ii) to facilitate the transportation of
                            large power transformers, generator step-up
                            transformers, power conversion equipment,
                            grain-oriented electrical steel, and other
                            critical electric grid equipment.
                        (B) Considerations.--
                                (i) In general.--In developing the strategy
                            under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
                            consider the need for, and the feasibility of
                            establishing, 1 or more federally owned
                            strategic equipment reserves, as appropriate,
                            to ensure nationwide access to large power
                            transformers, generator step-up transformers,
                            power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
                            electrical steel, and other critical electric
                            grid equipment.
                                (ii) Existing programs.--In carrying out
                            subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider
                            existing spare transformer and equipment
                            programs and requirements established by the
                            private sector, Regional Transmission
                            Organizations, Independent System Operators,
                            and State regulatory authorities.
                        (C) Consultation required.--In carrying out this
                    subsection, the Secretary shall consult with--
                                (i) the Federal Energy Regulatory
                            Commission;
                                (ii) the Electricity Subsector Coordinating
                            Council;
                                (iii) the Electric Reliability
                            Organization;
                                (iv) manufacturers of large power
                            transformers, generator step-up transformers,
                            power conversion equipment, grain-oriented
                            electrical steel, and other critical electric
                            grid equipment;
                                (v) owners and operators of critical
                            electric infrastructure (as defined in section
                            215A(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
                            824o-1(a))); and
                                (vi) owners and operators of military
                            installations (as defined in section 2801(c) of
                            title 10, United States Code) and defense sites
                            (as defined in section 2710(e) of that title),
                            including facilities designated as critical
                            defense facilities under section 215A(c) of the
                            Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o-1(c));
                (3) Transformer resilience program.--In addition to the
            strategy developed under subsection (b), the Secretary shall
            establish a program--
                        (A) to improve large power transformers, generator
                    step-up transformers, power conversion equipment,
                    grain-oriented electrical steel, and other critical
                    electric grid equipment by reducing vulnerabilities
                    identified with respect to that equipment;
                        (B) to develop, test, and deploy innovative
                    equipment designs, including modular designs, that are
                    more flexible and offer greater resiliency with respect
                    to the operation and functioning of the electric grid;
                        (C) to coordinate with industry and manufacturers
                    to standardize large power transformers, generator
                    step-up transformers, power conversion equipment, and
                    other critical electric grid equipment;
                        (D) to monitor and test large power transformers,
                    generator step-up transformers, power conversion
                    equipment, and other critical electric grid equipment
                    that the Secretary determines may pose a risk to the
                    bulk-power system or national security; and
                        (E) to facilitate the domestic manufacturing of
                    large power transformers, generator step-up
                    transformers, power conversion equipment, grain-
                    oriented electrical steel, and other critical electric
                    grid equipment through--
                                (i) the issuance of grants and loans; and
                                (ii) the provision of technical support.
                (4) Requirement.--
                        (A) In general.--All laborers and mechanics
                    employed by contractors or subcontractors in the
                    performance of construction, alteration, or repair work
                    carried out, in whole or in part, with financial
                    assistance made available under this section shall be
                    paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on
                    projects of a character similar in the locality as
                    determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with
                    subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States
                    Code.
                        (B) Authority.--With respect to the labor standards
                    specified in this subsection, the Secretary of Labor
                    shall have the authority and functions set forth in
                    Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267;
                    5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United
                    States Code.
                (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
            to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $75,000,000 for
            each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available
            until expended.

    SEC. 304. STREAMLINING PERMITTING OF DISTRIBUTED ENERGY.

        (a) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Authority having jurisdiction.--The term ``authority
            having jurisdiction'' means any State, county, local, or Tribal
            office or official with jurisdiction--
                        (A) to issue permits relating to qualifying
                    distributed energy systems;
                        (B) to conduct inspections to enforce the
                    requirements of a relevant code or standard relating to
                    qualifying distributed energy systems; or
                        (C) to approve the installation of, or the
                    equipment and materials used in the installation of,
                    qualifying distributed energy systems.
                (2) Qualifying distributed energy system.--The term
            ``qualifying distributed energy system'' means any equipment or
            materials installed in, on, or near a residential building to
            support onsite or local energy use, including--
                        (A) to generate electricity from distributed
                    renewable energy sources, including from--
                                (i) solar photovoltaic systems or similar
                            solar energy technologies; and
                                (ii) wind power systems;
                        (B) to store and discharge electricity from
                    batteries with a capacity of at least 2 kilowatt hours;
                        (C) to charge a plug-in electric drive vehicle at a
                    power rate of at least 2 kilowatts; or
                        (D) to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell electric
                    vehicle.
                (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
        (b) Program.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with trade associations and
    other entities representing distributed energy system installers and
    organizations representing State, local, and Tribal governments engaged
    in permitting, shall carry out a program to further develop, expand,
    and support the adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and
    inspection process for authorities having jurisdiction to use for the
    permitting of qualifying distributed energy systems.
        (c) Activities of the Program.--In carrying out the program
    established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
                (1) further develop and expand an exemplary streamlined
            permitting process that includes an online permitting
            platform--
                        (A) for expediting, standardizing, and streamlining
                    permitting; and
                        (B) that authorities having jurisdiction may
                    voluntarily use to receive, review, and approve permit
                    applications relating to qualifying distributed energy
                    systems;
                (2) establish targets for the adoption of a streamlined,
            expedited permitting process by authorities having
            jurisdiction;
                (3) provide technical assistance and training directly or
            indirectly to authorities having jurisdiction on using and
            adopting the exemplary streamlined permitting process described
            in paragraph (1), including the adoption of any necessary
            building codes;
                (4) develop a voluntary inspection protocol and related
            tools to expedite, standardize, and streamline the inspection
            of qualifying distributed energy systems, including--
                        (A) by investigating the potential for using remote
                    inspections;
                        (B) by investigating the potential for sample-based
                    inspection for distributed energy system installers
                    with a demonstrated track record of high-quality work;
                    and
                        (C) by investigating opportunities to integrate the
                    voluntary inspection protocol into the online
                    permitting platform described in paragraph (1) and the
                    platforms of government software providers; and
                (5) take any other action to expedite, standardize,
            streamline, or improve the process for permitting, inspecting,
            or interconnecting qualifying distributed energy systems.
        (d) Support Services.--The Secretary shall--
                (1) support the provision of technical assistance to
            authorities having jurisdiction, any administrator of the
            online permitting platform described in subsection (c)(1),
            government software providers, and any other entity determined
            appropriate by the Secretary in carrying out the activities
            described in subsection (c); and
                (2) provide such financial assistance as the Secretary
            determines appropriate from any funds appropriated to carry out
            this section.
        (e) Authority Having Jurisdiction Certification Program.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary may certify authorities
            having jurisdiction that implement the exemplary streamlined
            permitting process described in subsection (c)(1).
                (2) Process.--The Secretary may confer a certification
            under paragraph (1) through existing programs within the
            Department of Energy.
                (3) Prizes.--The Secretary may award prizes to authorities
            having jurisdiction, using funds appropriated to the Secretary
            to carry out this section, to encourage authorities having
            jurisdiction to adopt the exemplary streamlined permitting
            process or the voluntary inspection protocol established under
            paragraphs (1) and (4) of subsection (c), respectively.
        (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

    SEC. 305. COMMUNITY SOLAR.

        (a) Establishment of Community Solar Consumer Choice Program.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program
            to increase the opportunities for participation in community
            solar programs by--
                        (A) individuals, prioritizing individuals that do
                    not have regular access to onsite solar, including low-
                    and moderate-income individuals and individuals living
                    in energy communities;
                        (B) businesses;
                        (C) nonprofit organizations; and
                        (D) States and local and Tribal governments.
                (2) Alignment with existing federal programs.--The
            Secretary shall align the program established under paragraph
            (1) with existing Federal programs that serve low-income
            communities.
                (3) Assistance to state, tribal, and local governments.--In
            carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall--
                        (A) provide technical assistance to eligible
                    entities for projects to increase the number of
                    community solar facilities;
                        (B) assist eligible entities in the development of
                    new and innovative financial and business models that
                    leverage competitive processes in order to serve
                    community solar subscribers; and
                        (C) use National Laboratories to collect and
                    disseminate data to assist private entities in the
                    financing of, subscription to, and operation of
                    community solar programs.
        (b) Federal Government Participation in Community Solar Programs.--
    The Secretary shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate, expand
    the existing grant, loan, and financing programs of the Department of
    Energy to include community solar programs.
        (c) Establishment of Community Solar Programs.--
                (1) In general.--Section 111(d) of the Public Utility
            Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended
            by adding at the end the following:
                ``(22) Community solar programs.--
                        ``(A) In general.--Each electric utility shall
                    offer a community solar program that provides all
                    ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, equitable
                    and demonstrable access to such community solar
                    program. Such programs may include community solar
                    facilities owned or operated by non-utility entities
                    and shall not restrict participation to utility-owned
                    facilities.
                        ``(B) Definitions.--For the purposes of this
                    paragraph:
                                ``(i) Community solar program.--The term
                            `community solar program' means a service
                            provided to any electric consumer that the
                            electric utility serves through which the value
                            of electricity generated by a community solar
                            facility may be used to reduce total charges
                            billed to the electric consumer.
                                ``(ii) Community solar facility.--The term
                            `community solar facility' means a solar
                            photovoltaic system that--
                                        ``(I) allocates electricity to
                                    multiple electric consumers of an
                                    electric utility;
                                        ``(II) is interconnected with the
                                    electric grid; and
                                        ``(III) is located either on or off
                                    the property of the electric consumers
                                    described in subclause (I).''.
                (2) Compliance.--
                        (A) Time limitations.--Section 112(b) of the Public
                    Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
                    2622(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                ``(9)(A) Not later than 12 months after the date of
            enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority
            (with respect to each electric utility for which the State has
            ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated electric utility
            shall commence consideration under section 111, or set a
            hearing date for consideration, with respect to the standard
            established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d).
                ``(B) Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
            of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with
            respect to each electric utility for which the State has
            ratemaking authority), and each nonregulated electric utility
            shall complete the consideration and make the determination
            under section 111 with respect to the standard established by
            paragraph (22) of section 111(d).''.
                        (B) Failure to comply.--Section 112(c) of the
                    Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16
                    U.S.C. 2622(c)) is amended--
                                (i) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)'' and
                            inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``In the case of the standard established by
                            paragraph (22) of section 111(d), the reference
                            contained in this subsection to the date of
                            enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a
                            reference to the date of enactment of that
                            paragraph (22).''.
                        (C) Prior state actions.--
                                (i) In general.--Section 112 of the Public
                            Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16
                            U.S.C. 2622) is amended by adding at the end
                            the following:
        ``(i) Prior State Actions.--Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply
    to the standard established by paragraph (22) of section 111(d) in the
    case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of
    enactment of this subsection--
                ``(1) the State has implemented for the electric utility
            the standard (or a comparable standard);
                ``(2) the State regulatory authority for the State or the
            relevant nonregulated electric utility has conducted a
            proceeding to consider implementation of the standard (or a
            comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
                ``(3) the State legislature has voted on the implementation
            of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric
            utility.''.
                                (ii) Cross-reference.--Section 124 of the
                            Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
                            (16 U.S.C. 2634) is amended by adding at the
                            end the following: ``In the case of the
                            standard established by paragraph (22) of
                            section 111(d), the reference contained in this
                            subsection to the date of enactment of this Act
                            shall be deemed to be a reference to the date
                            of enactment of that paragraph (22).''.
        (d) Federal Contracts for Public Utility Services.--Section
    501(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by amending
    subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
                        ``(B) Public utility contracts.--A contract under
                    this paragraph for public utility services may be for a
                    period of not more than 30 years.''.
        (e) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Community solar facility; community solar program.--The
            terms ``community solar facility'' and ``community solar
            program'' have the meaning given such terms in paragraph (22)
            of section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
            of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)), as added by subsection (c) of this
            section.
                (2) Community solar subscriber.--The term ``community solar
            subscriber'' means an electricity customer that receives or
            purchases a proportional share of the output of a community
            solar facility under an ownership, subscription, or power
            purchase arrangement approved by the applicable regulatory
            authority.
                (3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                        (A) a State or political subdivision of a State;
                        (B) a unit of local government;
                        (C) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
                    Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
                    (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                        (D) a territory of the United States; or
                        (E) an authority, agency, or instrumentality of, or
                    an entity owned by, 1 or more entities described in
                    subparagraphs (A) through (D).
                (4) Energy community.--The term ``energy community'' has
            the meaning given such term in section 45(b)(11) of the
            Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 45(b)(11)).
                (5) National laboratories.--The term ``National
            Laboratories'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of
            the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
                (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.

    SEC. 306. LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY IN UNITED STATES TERRITORIES.

        (a) Clean Energy Grant Program.--
                (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
            of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
            establish a renewable energy program (in this section referred
            to as the ``program'') under which the Secretary may award
            grants to covered entities to facilitate projects, in
            territories of the United States, described in paragraph (3).
                (2) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant under the
            program, a covered entity shall submit to the Secretary an
            application at such time, in such form, and containing such
            information as the Secretary may require.
                (3) Grant uses.--
                        (A) In general.--A covered entity receiving a grant
                    under the program may use grant funds for a project, in
                    a territory of the United States--
                                (i) to develop or construct a renewable
                            energy system;
                                (ii) to carry out an activity to increase
                            energy efficiency or demand flexibility;
                                (iii) to develop or construct an energy
                            storage system or device for--
                                        (I) a system developed or
                                    constructed under clause (i); or
                                        (II) an activity carried out under
                                    clause (ii);
                                (iv) to develop or construct--
                                        (I) a smart grid; or
                                        (II) a microgrid; or
                                (v) to train residents of the territory of
                            the United States to develop, construct,
                            maintain, or operate a renewable energy system.
                        (B) Limitation.--A covered entity receiving a grant
                    under the program may not use grant funds to develop or
                    construct a facility that generates electricity using
                    energy derived from fossil fuels.
                (4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary of Energy shall
            ensure that Department of Energy national laboratories offer to
            provide technical assistance to each covered entity carrying
            out a project assisted with a grant under the program.
                (5) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the establishment
            of the program, and on an annual basis thereafter, the
            Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing--
                        (A) an estimate of the amount of funds disbursed
                    under the program;
                        (B) an estimate of the energy conservation achieved
                    as a result of the program;
                        (C) a description of challenges encountered in
                    implementing projects described in paragraph (3)(A);
                        (D) recommendations as to additional legislative
                    measures to increase the use of renewable energy in
                    territories of the United States, as appropriate;
                        (E) recommendations for improving resilience and
                    dependability of projects described in paragraph
                    (3)(A);
                        (F) recommendations for furthering the long-term
                    energy independence of U.S. territories covered by this
                    program; and
                        (G) findings regarding the effect of this program
                    on consumer energy prices and how it can be improved to
                    continue lowering those prices.
                (6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
            to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
            this section.
        (b) GAO Study and Report.--
                (1) In general.--
                        (A) Study and report.--Not later than 180 days
                    after the date of enactment of this Act, the
                    Comptroller General of the United States shall--
                                (i) conduct a study regarding renewable
                            energy, energy efficiency, and demand
                            flexibility in territories of the United
                            States; and
                                (ii) submit to Congress a report
                            containing--
                                        (I) the findings of the study; and
                                        (II) related recommendations.
                        (B) Components.--The study conducted under
                    subparagraph (A) shall consider, in relation to each
                    territory of the United States, the potential--
                                (i) to modify existing electric power
                            systems to use renewable energy sources;
                                (ii) to expand the use of microgrids; and
                                (iii) to improve energy resiliency.
                (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
            to be appropriated $1,500,000 to carry out this section.
        (c) Definitions.--In this Act, the following definitions apply:
                (1) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means a
            not-for-profit organization determined eligible by the
            Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of this Act.
                (2) Department of energy national laboratories.--The term
            ``Department of Energy national laboratories'' has the same
            meaning as the term ``National Laboratory'' under section 2 of
            the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
                (3) Microgrid.--The term ``microgrid'' means an electric
            system--
                        (A) that serves the local community with a power
                    generation and distribution system; and
                        (B) that has the ability--
                                (i) to disconnect from a traditional
                            electric grid; and
                                (ii) to operate autonomously when
                            disconnected.
                (4) Renewable energy; renewable energy system.--The terms
            ``renewable energy'' and ``renewable energy system'' have the
            meanings given those terms in section 9001 of the Farm Security
            and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101).
                (5) Smart grid.--The term ``smart grid'' means an
            intelligent electric grid that uses digital communications
            technology, information systems, and automation to, while
            maintaining high system reliability--
                        (A) detect and react to local changes in usage;
                        (B) improve system operating efficiency; and
                        (C) reduce spending costs.
                (6) Territory of the united states.--The term ``territory
            of the United States'' means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
            Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the
            Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

             TITLE IV--BUILDING OUT A 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICITY GRID

                Subtitle A--Amendments to the Federal Power Act

    SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.

        Section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
                ``(30) Energy storage project.--The term `energy storage
            project' means equipment that receives, stores, and delivers
            energy-using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower,
            hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy
            storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors,
            superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by
            the Secretary of Energy.
                ``(31) Generating facility.--The term `generating facility'
            means any facility that generates electricity.
                ``(32) Generator tie line.--The term `generator tie line'
            means a dedicated transmission line that is used to transmit
            power from a generating facility or an energy storage project
            to a transmission facility or a transmission system.
                ``(33) Greenhouse gas.--The term `greenhouse gas' includes
            each of the following:
                        ``(A) Carbon dioxide.
                        ``(B) Methane.
                        ``(C) Nitrous oxide.
                        ``(D) Sulfur hexafluoride.
                        ``(E) Any hydrofluorocarbon.
                        ``(F) Any perfluorocarbon.
                        ``(G) Nitrogen trifluoride.
                        ``(H) Any fully fluorinated linear, branched, or
                    cyclic--
                                ``(i) alkane;
                                ``(ii) ether;
                                ``(iii) tertiary amine; or
                                ``(iv) aminoether.
                        ``(I) Any perfluoropolyether.
                        ``(J) Any hydrofluoropolyether.
                        ``(K) Any other fluorocarbon, except for a
                    fluorocarbon with a vapor pressure of less than 1 mm of
                    Hg absolute at 25 degrees Celsius.
                ``(34) Advanced transmission technology.--The term
            `advanced transmission technology' means any hardware or
            software that--
                        ``(A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
                    reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
                    facilities and transmission technologies;
                        ``(B) is installed in addition to new or existing
                    transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
                                ``(i) to give operators of the transmission
                            facilities and transmission technologies more
                            situational awareness and control over the
                            electric grid;
                                ``(ii) to make the transmission facilities
                            and transmission technologies more efficient;
                            or
                                ``(iii) to increase the transfer capacity
                            of the transmission facilities and transmission
                            technologies; and
                        ``(C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
                    ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
                    advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
                    physical systems that increase the usable transfer
                    capability of the grid.
                ``(35) Interconnection customer.--The term `interconnection
            customer' means an entity, or any affiliates or subsidiaries of
            an entity, that proposes to interconnect a generating facility
            or an energy storage project to a transmission facility or
            transmission system.
                ``(36) Transmission benefits.--The term `transmission
            benefits' means the broad range of economic, operational,
            safety, resilience, public policy, and environmental benefits
            (as assessed by the Commission in accordance with section
            224(e)) and other reasonably anticipated benefits of
            constructing, modifying, or operating a transmission facility,
            including--
                        ``(A) improved reliability;
                        ``(B) improved resilience;
                        ``(C) improved safety;
                        ``(D) reduced congestion;
                        ``(E) reduced power losses;
                        ``(F) greater carrying capacity;
                        ``(G) reduced operating reserve requirements;
                        ``(H) improved access to lower-cost electricity
                    generation;
                        ``(I) improved access to electricity generating
                    facilities with no direct emissions of greenhouse
                    gases;
                        ``(J) improved public health from the closure of
                    electricity generation facilities that emit harmful
                    pollution;
                        ``(K) increased competition and market liquidity in
                    electricity markets;
                        ``(L) improved energy resilience and resilience of
                    Department of Defense installations;
                        ``(M) improved ability to integrate new sources of
                    electrical demand; and
                        ``(N) other potential benefits of increasing the
                    interconnectedness of the electric grid.
                ``(37) Network upgrade.--The term `network upgrade' means--
                        ``(A) any addition to or expansion of any
                    transmission facility or transmission system;
                        ``(B) the construction of a new transmission
                    facility that will become part of a transmission
                    system;
                        ``(C) the addition of an energy storage project to
                    a transmission facility or a transmission system; or
                        ``(D) any construction, deployment, or addition of
                    an advanced transmission technology to a transmission
                    facility or a transmission system that eliminates or
                    reduces the need to carry out any of the activities
                    described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
                ``(38) Participant funding.--The term `participant funding'
            means any cost allocation method under which an interconnection
            customer is required to pay, without reimbursement, all or a
            disproportionate amount of the costs of a network upgrade that
            is determined by the Commission to be necessary to ensure the
            reliable interconnection of the interconnection customer's
            generating facility or energy storage project.
                ``(39) Transmission planning region.--The term
            `transmission planning region' means--
                        ``(A) when used in a geographical sense, a region
                    for which the Commission determines that electric
                    transmission planning is appropriate, such as a region
                    established in accordance with Order No. 1000 of the
                    Commission, entitled `Transmission Planning and Cost
                    Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public
                    Utilities' (76 Fed. Reg. 49842 (August 11, 2011)); and
                        ``(B) when used in a corporate sense, means the
                    Transmission Organization or other entity responsible
                    for planning or operating electric transmission
                    facilities within a region described in subparagraph
                    (A).
                ``(40) Transmission system.--For purposes of sections 224
            and 227, the term `transmission system' means a network of
            transmission facilities used for the transmission of electric
            energy in interstate commerce.''.

    SEC. 402. INTERREGIONAL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLANNING.

        Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is amended
    by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 224. IMPROVING INTERREGIONAL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLANNING.

        ``(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue regulations that
    require each pair or grouping of neighboring transmission planning
    regions to jointly develop and file with the Commission a process by
    which they will develop an interregional transmission plan to identify
    and to facilitate the construction or upgrade of onshore and offshore
    electric transmission facilities that are efficient, cost-effective,
    and broadly beneficial. Such process must address the considerations in
    subsection (b) and be filed within 6 months after the regulations
    required by this paragraph are finalized. Such process must require
    development of an interregional transmission plan within at least 3
    years of the promulgation of the regulations and that a new plan be
    developed at least every 3 years thereafter, in alignment with long-
    term regional transmission plans developed under Orders 1920 and 1920-A
    (89 Fed. Reg. 49280 and 89 Fed. Reg. 97174).
        ``(b) Considerations.--In determining the requirements for a
    process described in subsection (a), the Commission shall require that
    such process advance--
                ``(1) the development of transmission systems that can
            operate for a minimum of 20 years and across a wide range of
            scenarios, including scenarios that take into account--
                        ``(A) Federal, State, and local laws and
                    regulations, and other factors that affect electricity
                    demand and the current and future generation resource
                    mix;
                        ``(B) trends in technology and fuel costs;
                        ``(C) the retirement of generation facilities,
                    energy storage projects, and transmission facilities;
                        ``(D) generator interconnection requests and
                    withdrawals; and
                        ``(E) extreme weather events, including in
                    anticipation of how the frequency and intensity of
                    these events are projected to change over the planning
                    period due to climate change;
                ``(2) the public interest;
                ``(3) the integrity of electricity markets;
                ``(4) the protection of consumers;
                ``(5) the optimization of transmission benefits;
                ``(6) the need for an individual interregional transmission
            project to secure approvals based on a comprehensive assessment
            of the multiple benefits provided;
                ``(7) the importance of synchronization of planning
            processes in neighboring transmission planning regions, such as
            using a joint model on a consistent timeline with a single set
            of needs, input assumptions, and benefit metrics;
                ``(8) the need for an individual interregional transmission
            project that is identified in the interregional transmission
            plan of a pair of transmission planning regions not to be
            subject to any subsequent planning process by other
            transmission planning regions;
                ``(9) that evaluation of long-term scenarios should align
            with the expected life of an element of a transmission system;
                ``(10) that a pair of transmission planning regions should
            allow for the identification and joint evaluation of
            alternatives proposed by stakeholders, and ensure meaningful
            opportunities for States, Tribes, consumer advocates, labor
            organizations, and environmental justice communities to
            participate;
                ``(11) the need to eliminate arbitrary project voltage,
            size, or cost requirements for transmission projects;
                ``(12) the applicability of a broad range of alternatives
            to the construction of transmission facilities, including
            advanced transmission technologies, demand side flexibility,
            distributed storage, load management, dynamic line rating, and
            power flow control; and
                ``(13) the use of data and analyses provided by the
            Secretary of Energy, including as provided by the National
            Laboratories, regarding any of the items described in
            paragraphs (1) through (12).
        ``(c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the issuance of
    regulations under subsection (a) and annually thereafter, the
    Commission shall publish in the Federal Register a report on the
    progress by each pair of transmission planning regions in identifying
    and facilitating the construction of interregional electric
    transmission projects, including a description of the transmission
    benefits associated with such projects.
        ``(d) Environmental Benefits.--In assessing the environmental
    benefits associated with any activity undertaken pursuant to this Act,
    the Commission may use any relevant analysis or other information
    conducted or provided by the Council on Environmental Quality and the
    Environmental Protection Agency.''.

    SEC. 403. ALLOCATION OF COSTS OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES OF
                  NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

        Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 225. ALLOCATION OF COSTS OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES OF NATIONAL
                  SIGNIFICANCE.

        ``(a) Allocation of Costs.--
                ``(1) In general.--Any transmitting utility that owns,
            controls, or operates a transmission facility of national
            significance, or proposes to own, control, or operate a
            transmission facility of national significance, may file a
            tariff with the Commission in accordance with section 205
            allocating the costs of constructing, modifying, and operating
            such transmission facility of national significance in
            accordance with paragraph (2).
                ``(2) Cost allocation principle.--The Commission shall
            require that any tariff described in paragraph (1) allocate the
            cost to construct, modify, and operate a transmission facility
            of national significance to customers within the applicable
            transmission planning region or regions in a manner that is
            roughly commensurate with the reasonably anticipated
            transmission benefits. Additionally, the Commission shall
            require that any proposed calculation of reasonably anticipated
            transmission benefits make the assumptions and calculations
            behind such calculation public and included in any tariff
            described in paragraph (1).
                ``(3) Commission authority.--If the Commission determines
            that no tariff filed under paragraph (1) provides for a just,
            reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory allocation of costs
            for a transmission facility of national significance, the
            Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing,
            establish or modify such allocation under section 206,
            provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent a
            transmitting utility from recovering such costs through
            voluntary agreement with its customers.
        ``(b) Definition of Transmission Facility of National
    Significance.--In this section, the term `transmission facility of
    national significance' means--
                ``(1) an interstate or interregional electric power
            transmission line (and any facilities necessary for the
            operation of such electric power transmission line)--
                        ``(A) that has a transmission capacity of not less
                    than 1,000 megawatts; and
                        ``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
                    after the date of enactment of this section;
                ``(2) an electric power transmission line or network,
            located in whole or in part offshore (including any radial,
            meshed, or shared facilities necessary for its operation), the
            construction of which is completed on or after the date of
            enactment of this section; or
                ``(3) an expansion of, or upgrade to, an interstate
            electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary
            for the operation of such electric power transmission line)
            that--
                        ``(A) increases the transmission capacity of such
                    electric power transmission line by at least 500
                    megawatts; and
                        ``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
                    after the date of enactment of this section.
        ``(c) Savings Provision.--This section does not affect the
    authority of the Commission to approve the allocation of costs of
    transmission facilities other than transmission facilities of national
    significance.''.

    SEC. 404. MINIMUM INTERREGIONAL TRANSFER CAPABILITY.

        Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 226. PROTECTING ELECTRICITY RELIABILITY BY IMPROVING
                  INTERREGIONAL TRANSFER CAPABILITY.

        ``(a) Rulemaking.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 322
    of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Public Law 118-5), not later than 24
    months after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the
    Commission shall, pursuant to section 206, issue regulations that
    establish requirements for minimum transfer capability, as described
    under subsection (b), between transmission planning regions.
        ``(b) Minimum Transfer Capability.--The aggregate minimum
    interregional transfer capability for each transmission planning region
    and its neighboring transmission planning region shall be not less than
    30 percent of its own peak electricity demand, or in the case of a
    transmission planning region that borders only 1 other transmission
    planning region, not less than 15 percent of its own peak electricity
    demand, unless the Commission finds, upon a showing by a transmission
    planning region, that a lower transfer capability can achieve the same
    or greater transmission benefits.
        ``(c) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment
    of this section and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall
    report to Congress on the status of interregional transfer capability,
    including on risks to reliability associated with a lack of
    interregional transfer capability.''.

    SEC. 405. INCREASED FERC TRANSMISSION SITING AUTHORITY.

        (a) In General.--Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et
    seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 227. SITING OF CERTAIN INTERSTATE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION
                  FACILITIES.

        ``(a) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.--
                ``(1) In general.--On receipt of an application under
            subsection (b)(1) relating to a transmission facility of
            national significance described in paragraph (2), the
            Commission, after making the finding described in paragraph (3)
            with respect to such transmission facility of national
            significance, shall, by order which is published in the Federal
            Register, issue to the person who submitted such application a
            certificate of public convenience and necessity for the
            construction, modification, or operation of such transmission
            facility of national significance, subject to such reasonable
            terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be
            appropriate.
                ``(2) Transmission facility of national significance
            described.--A transmission facility of national significance
            referred to in paragraph (1) is an interstate or interregional
            electric power transmission line (and any facilities necessary
            for the operation of such electric power transmission line)--
                        ``(A) that has a transmission capacity of not less
                    than 1,000 megawatts; and
                        ``(B) the construction of which is completed on or
                    after the date of enactment of this section.
                ``(3) Finding described.--The finding referred to in
            paragraph (1) is a finding that--
                        ``(A) the applicant for a certificate of public
                    convenience and necessity is able and willing--
                                ``(i) to carry out the activities and
                            perform the services proposed in the
                            application in a manner determined to be
                            appropriate by the Commission; and
                                ``(ii) to achieve compliance with the
                            applicable requirements of--
                                        ``(I) this part; and
                                        ``(II) any rules and regulations
                                    promulgated by the Commission pursuant
                                    to this part;
                        ``(B) the transmission facility of national
                    significance to be constructed, modified, or operated
                    under the certificate of public convenience and
                    necessity will--
                                ``(i) be interstate or interregional;
                                ``(ii) be used for the transmission of
                            electric energy in interstate commerce; and
                                ``(iii) have a transmission capacity of not
                            less than 1,000 megawatts.
                ``(4) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date
            of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue
            regulations specifying--
                        ``(A) a pre-filing process during which a person
                    described in subsection (b)(1) and the Commission shall
                    consult with--
                                ``(i) the State commission for each State
                            through which the applicable transmission
                            facility of national significance will
                            traverse;
                                ``(ii) appropriate Federal agencies;
                                ``(iii) each Indian Tribe that may be
                            affected by the proposed project to construct,
                            modify, or operate a transmission facility of
                            national significance; and
                                ``(iv) the appropriate Transmission
                            Organization;
                        ``(B) the form of, and information to be contained
                    in, an application submitted under subsection (b)(1);
                        ``(C) requirements for determining whether the
                    applicable transmission facility of national
                    significance will--
                                ``(i) traverse not fewer than 2 States;
                                ``(ii) be used for the transmission of
                            electric energy in interstate commerce; and
                                ``(iii) have a power capacity of not less
                            than 1,000 megawatts;
                        ``(D) criteria for determining the reasonable and
                    economical use of--
                                ``(i) existing rights-of-way; and
                                ``(ii) the transmission capabilities of
                            existing towers or structures;
                        ``(E) the manner in which an application submitted
                    under subsection (b)(1) shall be considered, which, to
                    the extent practicable, shall be consistent with State
                    statutory and regulatory policies concerning generation
                    and retail sales of electricity in the States in which
                    the electric energy transmitted by the transmission
                    facility of national significance will be generated or
                    sold; and
                        ``(F) the manner in which the Commission will
                    consider the needs of communities that will be impacted
                    directly by the applicable transmission facility of
                    national significance, including how any impacts of the
                    transmission facility of national significance could be
                    mitigated or offset.
                ``(5) Publication, public comment, and hearings for certain
            notice of intent and draft environmental impact statements.--
                        ``(A) Publication.--The Commission shall publish in
                    the Federal Register a notice of intent to prepare an
                    environmental document under the National Environmental
                    Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with
                    respect to an application for a certificate of public
                    convenience and necessity that has been submitted under
                    subsection (b)(1).
                        ``(B) Public comment.--The Commission shall provide
                    not less than 60 days for public comment on each notice
                    of intent and draft environmental impact statement
                    published under subparagraph (A).
                        ``(C) Hearing.--The Commission shall provide to the
                    individuals and entities described in paragraph (6)(B)
                    a reasonable opportunity for presentation, in at least
                    1 public hearing, of any views and recommendations on
                    each notice of intent and each draft environmental
                    impact statement published under subparagraph (A). The
                    Commission shall publish in the Federal Register notice
                    of any hearing held under this subparagraph.
                ``(6) Notice and opportunity for a hearing on
            applications.--
                        ``(A) In general.--In any proceeding before the
                    Commission to consider an application for a certificate
                    of public convenience and necessity under this section,
                    the Commission shall--
                                ``(i) publish a notice of the application
                            in the Federal Register;
                                ``(ii) provide written notice of such
                            application to all affected landowners in
                            accordance with subsection (c); and
                                ``(iii) provide to the individuals and
                            entities described in subparagraph (B) a notice
                            and reasonable opportunity for the presentation
                            in at least 1 public hearing of any views and
                            recommendations with respect to the need for,
                            and impact of, the construction, modification,
                            or operation of the transmission facility of
                            national significance proposed to be
                            constructed, modified, or operated under the
                            certificate.
                        ``(B) Individuals and entities described.--The
                    individuals and entities referred to in subparagraph
                    (A) are--
                                ``(i) an agency, selected by the Governor
                            (or equivalent official) of the applicable
                            State, of each State in which the transmission
                            facility of national significance proposed to
                            be constructed, modified, or operated under the
                            applicable certificate of public convenience
                            and necessity is or will be located;
                                ``(ii) each affected landowner; and
                                ``(iii) as determined by the Commission--
                                        ``(I) each affected Federal agency;
                                    and
                                        ``(II) each Indian Tribe that may
                                    be affected by the proposed
                                    construction, modification, or
                                    operation.
                        ``(C) Prohibition.--The Commission may not--
                                ``(i) require an applicant for a
                            certificate of public convenience and necessity
                            under this section to provide any notice
                            required under this section; or
                                ``(ii) enter into a contract to provide any
                            notice required under this section with--
                                        ``(I) the applicant for the
                                    applicable certificate of public
                                    convenience and necessity; or
                                        ``(II) any other person that has a
                                    financial interest in the project
                                    proposed in the application for such
                                    certificate.
        ``(b) Applications.--
                ``(1) In general.--A person desiring a certificate of
            public convenience and necessity under this section shall
            submit to the Commission an application at such time, in such
            manner, and containing such information as the Commission may
            require.
                ``(2) Requirement.--An application submitted to the
            Commission under paragraph (1) shall include all information
            necessary for the Commission to make the finding described in
            subsection (a)(3).
        ``(c) Notice to Affected Landowners.--
                ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall provide written
            notice of an application submitted under subsection (b)(1) to
            all affected landowners with respect to the transmission
            facility of national significance for which such application
            was submitted in accordance with this subsection.
                ``(2) Requirements.--Any notice provided to an affected
            landowner under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
                        ``(A) The following statement in 14-point bold
                    typeface:
                    ```The [name of applicant] has proposed building power
                    lines that will cross your property, and may also
                    require building transmission towers on your property.
                    If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves
                    [applicant]'s proposed project, then [applicant] may
                    have the right to build transmission towers on, and
                    power lines over, your property, or use your property
                    to construct the proposed project, subject to paying
                    you just compensation for the loss of your property.
                    ```If you want to raise objections to, offer support
                    for, or otherwise comment on this, or otherwise comment
                    on this project, you can do so by submitting written
                    comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
                    Docket No. [___]. You can do this electronically or by
                    mail. To do so electronically [to be inserted by the
                    Commission]. To do so by mail [to be inserted by the
                    Commission].'.
                        ``(B) A description of the proposed project to
                    construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility
                    of national significance, including--
                                ``(i) the location of the proposed project
                            (including a general location map);
                                ``(ii) the purpose of the proposed project;
                            and
                                ``(iii) the timing of the proposed project.
                        ``(C) The name of, and the location in the docket
                    of the Commission at which may be found, each
                    submission by the applicant to the Commission relating
                    to the proposed project.
                        ``(D) A general description of what the applicant
                    will need from the landowner if the proposed project is
                    approved, including the activities the applicant may
                    undertake and the facilities that the applicant may
                    seek to construct on the property of the landowner.
                        ``(E) A description of how the landowner may
                    contact the applicant, including--
                                ``(i) a website;
                                ``(ii) an email address;
                                ``(iii) a local or toll-free telephone
                            number; and
                                ``(iv) the name of a specific person to
                            contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed
                            project.
                        ``(F) A description of how the landowner may
                    contact the Commission, including--
                                ``(i) a website;
                                ``(ii) an email address;
                                ``(iii) a local or toll-free telephone
                            number; and
                                ``(iv) the name of a specific person to
                            contact who is knowledgeable about the proposed
                            project.
                        ``(G) A summary of the rights that the landowner
                    has--
                                ``(i) before the Commission; and
                                ``(ii) in other proceedings under--
                                        ``(I) the Federal Rules of Civil
                                    Procedure; and
                                        ``(II) the eminent domain rules of
                                    the relevant State.
                        ``(H) Any other information that the Commission
                    determines to be appropriate.
                ``(3) Obligation of applicant.--An applicant for a
            certificate of public convenience and necessity under this
            section shall submit to the Commission, together with the
            application for the certificate, the name and address of each
            affected landowner.
        ``(d) Regulatory Jurisdiction.--
                ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
            notwithstanding section 216(i), no State shall regulate any
            aspect of the siting or permitting of a transmission facility
            of national significance constructed, modified, or operated
            under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued
            under this section.
                ``(2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section affects the
            rights of States under--
                        ``(A) the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16
                    U.S.C. 1451 et seq.);
                        ``(B) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
                    U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
                        ``(C) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
                    or
                        ``(D) division A of subtitle III of title 54,
                    United States Code (formerly known as the `National
                    Historic Preservation Act').
                ``(3) Tribal consent for certain rights-of-way.--No right-
            of-way over or across Tribal land may be granted pursuant to
            this section unless consent for the right-of-way has been
            obtained from the proper Tribal official in a manner consistent
            with the requirements of section 2 of the Act of February 5,
            1948 (62 Stat. 18, chapter 45; 25 U.S.C. 324).
        ``(e) Judicial Review.--
                ``(1) In general.--Any person aggrieved by an order of the
            Commission issued under this section may obtain review of the
            order in--
                        ``(A) the court of appeals of the United States for
                    any judicial circuit in which the transmission facility
                    of national significance to be constructed, modified,
                    or operated under the applicable certificate of public
                    convenience and necessity is or will be located; or
                        ``(B) the United States Court of Appeals for the
                    District of Columbia Circuit.
                ``(2) Petition for review.--
                        ``(A) In general.--A person may obtain review under
                    paragraph (1) by filing in the applicable court a
                    written petition praying that the order of the
                    Commission be modified or set aside in whole or in
                    part.
                        ``(B) Timing.--A petition under subparagraph (A)
                    shall be filed by not later than 60 days after the date
                    on which the applicable order of the Commission is
                    published in the Federal Register.
                ``(3) Person aggrieved.--Notwithstanding any other
            provision of this Act, a person aggrieved by an order of the
            Commission issued under this section need not--
                        ``(A) have been a party to the proceedings before
                    the Commission in which that order was issued in order
                    to obtain judicial review of the order under this
                    subsection; or
                        ``(B) have requested rehearing before the
                    Commission prior to seeking judicial review.
        ``(f) Right of Eminent Domain for Electric Transmission
    Facilities.--
                ``(1) In general.--The holder of a certificate of public
            convenience and necessity may acquire through the exercise of
            the right of eminent domain in a court described in paragraph
            (2) any right-of-way, land, or other property that is necessary
            to construct, modify, or operate a transmission facility of
            national significance in accordance with such certificate if
            the holder has, in the determination of the Commission, made
            good faith efforts to engage with landowners and other
            stakeholders early in the permitting process established under
            this section, and--
                        ``(A) cannot acquire the necessary right-of-way,
                    land, or other property by contract;
                        ``(B) is unable to agree with the owner of the
                    right-of-way, land, or other property with respect to
                    the compensation to be paid for that right-of-way,
                    land, or other property; or
                        ``(C) cannot clear defective title with respect to
                    the right-of-way, land, or other property.
                ``(2) Court described.--A court referred to in paragraph
            (1) is--
                        ``(A) the district court of the United States for
                    the district in which the applicable right-of-way,
                    land, or other property is located; or
                        ``(B) the appropriate State court.
                ``(3) Notice of order issuing certificate.--The holder of a
            certificate of public convenience and necessity may not
            exercise the right of eminent domain under this subsection with
            respect to any property covered by the certificate unless the
            Commission has first, in addition to publishing the notice of
            certificate of public convenience and necessity in the Federal
            Register, provided all affected landowners with notice of--
                        ``(A) the order; and
                        ``(B) the procedures for obtaining judicial review
                    of such order under subsection (e), including a
                    description of the time period for seeking judicial
                    review under that subsection.
        ``(g) Condemnation Procedures.--
                ``(1) Appraisals.--
                        ``(A) In general.--A holder of, or applicant for, a
                    certificate of public convenience and necessity shall
                    have any property that the holder or applicant seeks to
                    acquire through the exercise of the right of eminent
                    domain under subsection (f) appraised in accordance
                    with generally accepted appraisal standards by an
                    appraiser selected by the owner of the property,
                    subject to subparagraph (D).
                        ``(B) Requirements.--
                                ``(i) Costs.--The applicable holder of, or
                            applicant for, a certificate of public
                            convenience and necessity shall pay for each
                            appraisal carried out under subparagraph (A).
                                ``(ii) Inspections.--The owner of the
                            applicable property (or a designated
                            representative of the owner) shall be given the
                            opportunity to accompany the appraiser during
                            any inspection of the property that is part of
                            an appraisal under subparagraph (A).
                        ``(C) Timing.--An appraisal under subparagraph (A)
                    shall be carried out before--
                                ``(i) the holder of, or applicant for, the
                            certificate of public convenience and necessity
                            makes an offer of just compensation under
                            paragraph (2); or
                                ``(ii) the holder of the certificate of
                            public convenience and necessity commences an
                            action or proceeding to exercise the right of
                            eminent domain under subsection (f).
                        ``(D) Selection of appraiser.--If the owner of the
                    applicable property does not select an appraiser under
                    subparagraph (A) by the date that is 60 days after the
                    date on which the holder of, or applicant for, the
                    applicable certificate of public convenience and
                    necessity requests that the owner do so, the holder or
                    applicant shall have the right to select the appraiser.
                ``(2) Offers of just compensation.--
                        ``(A) In general.--Any offer of just compensation
                    made to an affected landowner of property that is or
                    will be covered by a certificate of public convenience
                    and necessity--
                                ``(i) shall be made in writing;
                                ``(ii) may not be for an amount less than
                            the fair market value of the property, as
                            determined by an appraisal carried out under
                            paragraph (1); and
                                ``(iii) shall include compensation for--
                                        ``(I) any lost income from the
                                    property; and
                                        ``(II) any damages to any other
                                    property of the owner.
                        ``(B) Timing.--The holder of a certificate of
                    public convenience and necessity may not make an offer
                    of just compensation to an affected landowner until the
                    date that is 30 days after the date on which the
                    Commission provides a notice to the affected landowner
                    under subsection (f)(3).
                ``(3) Jurisdictional limitations.--
                        ``(A) Minimum jurisdictional amount.--A district
                    court of the United States shall only have jurisdiction
                    of an action or proceeding to exercise the right of
                    eminent domain under subsection (f) if the amount
                    claimed by the owner of the property to be condemned
                    exceeds $3,000.
                        ``(B) Tribal land.--A district court of the United
                    States shall have no jurisdiction to condemn any
                    interest in Tribal land.
                ``(4) Limitation on condemnation.--In any action or
            proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under
            subsection (f), a court--
                        ``(A) may condemn an interest in property only to
                    the extent necessary for the specific facilities
                    described in the applicable certificate of public
                    convenience and necessity; and
                        ``(B) may not--
                                ``(i) condemn any other interest; or
                                ``(ii) condemn an interest for any purpose
                            not described in that certificate.
                ``(5) Right of possession.--With respect to any action or
            proceeding to exercise the right of eminent domain under
            subsection (f), an owner of property that is covered by the
            applicable certificate of public convenience and necessity
            shall not be required to surrender possession of that property
            unless the holder of the certificate--
                        ``(A) has paid to the owner the award of
                    compensation in the action or proceeding; or
                        ``(B) has deposited the amount of that award with
                    the court.
                ``(6) Litigation costs.--
                        ``(A) In general.--A holder of a certificate of
                    public convenience and necessity that commences an
                    action or proceeding to exercise the right of eminent
                    domain under subsection (f) shall be liable to the
                    owner of any property condemned in that proceeding for
                    the costs described in subparagraph (B) if the amount
                    awarded to that owner for the property condemned is
                    more than 125 percent of the amount offered to the
                    owner by the holder before the commencement of that
                    action or proceeding.
                        ``(B) Costs described.--The costs referred to in
                    subparagraph (A) are litigation costs incurred for the
                    action or proceeding described in that subparagraph by
                    the owner of the property condemned, including--
                                ``(i) reasonable attorney fees;
                                ``(ii) expert witness fees and costs; and
                                ``(iii) reasonable travel costs to
                            participate in proceedings.
        ``(h) Enforcement of Conditions.--
                ``(1) In general.--An affected landowner the property of
            which has been acquired by eminent domain under subsection (f)
            shall have the right--
                        ``(A) to enforce any condition in the applicable
                    certificate of public convenience and necessity; and
                        ``(B) to seek damages for a violation of any
                    condition described in subparagraph (A).
                ``(2) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the United
            States shall have jurisdiction over any action arising under
            paragraph (1).
        ``(i) Other Landowner Rights and Protections.--
                ``(1) Failure to timely complete projects.--
                        ``(A) Surrender of condemned property.--
                                ``(i) In general.--An individual or entity
                            from which an interest in property is acquired
                            through the exercise of the right of eminent
                            domain under subsection (f) by the holder of a
                            certificate of public convenience and necessity
                            that is issued for the construction,
                            modification, or operation of a transmission
                            facility of national significance may demand
                            that the holder of the certificate surrender
                            that interest to that individual or entity if--
                                        ``(I)(aa) the transmission facility
                                    of national significance is not in
                                    operation (as modified, in the case of
                                    a modification of a transmission
                                    facility of national significance) by
                                    the date specified in the certificate
                                    (including any modification of the
                                    certificate by the Commission); and
                                        ``(bb) there is no request for the
                                    extension of that date pending before
                                    the Commission; or
                                        ``(II) subject to clause (ii), the
                                    holder of the certificate, with the
                                    approval of the Commission, abandons
                                    the portion of the transmission
                                    facility of national significance that
                                    is located on the applicable property
                                    relating to that interest.
                                ``(ii) Requirement.--The Commission may not
                            approve in a certificate of public convenience
                            and necessity issued under this section or in
                            any subsequent proceeding the abandonment of
                            all or any part of a transmission facility of
                            national significance unless the Commission
                            requires the holder of the applicable
                            certificate of public convenience and necessity
                            to offer to each individual or entity described
                            in clause (i) the option of having the property
                            acquired from that individual or entity as
                            described in that clause restored to the
                            condition that the property was in prior to the
                            issuance of the certificate.
                        ``(B) Repayment of condemnation award.--If an
                    individual or entity described in subparagraph (A)(i)
                    demands the surrender of an interest under that
                    subparagraph, the holder of the applicable certificate
                    of public convenience and necessity shall be entitled
                    to repayment of an amount equal to not more than 50
                    percent of the condemnation award relating to the
                    interest.
                        ``(C) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the
                    United States shall have jurisdiction over any action
                    arising under this paragraph.
                ``(2) Material misrepresentations.--
                        ``(A) Rescission of transaction.--
                                ``(i) In general.--An individual or entity
                            from which an interest in property is acquired
                            through the exercise of the right of eminent
                            domain under subsection (f) that proves, by a
                            preponderance of the evidence, that the
                            individual or entity has granted a right-of-way
                            or any other property interest based on a
                            material misrepresentation made by or on behalf
                            of an applicant for, or holder of, a
                            certificate of public convenience and necessity
                            under this section concerning the transmission
                            facility of national significance to be
                            constructed, modified, or operated under the
                            certificate shall have the right to rescind the
                            transaction.
                                ``(ii) Jurisdiction.--The district courts
                            of the United States shall have jurisdiction
                            over any action arising under clause (i).
                        ``(B) Civil penalties.--A material
                    misrepresentation made by an applicant for, or holder
                    of, a certificate of public convenience and necessity,
                    or on behalf of such an applicant or holder, to an
                    affected landowner concerning the transmission facility
                    of national significance to be constructed, modified,
                    or operated under the certificate, shall be considered
                    to be a violation of this part for purposes of section
                    316A and such applicant or holder shall be assessed a
                    civil penalty by the Commission in accordance with such
                    section 316A, except the amount of such civil penalty
                    may not exceed $10,000 per affected landowner to whom
                    the misrepresentation was made.
        ``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
                ``(1) Affected landowner.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The term `affected landowner'
                    includes each owner of a property interest in land or
                    other property described in subparagraph (B),
                    including--
                                ``(i) the Federal Government;
                                ``(ii) a State or local government; and
                                ``(iii) each owner noted in the most recent
                            county or city tax record as receiving the
                            relevant tax notice with respect to that
                            interest.
                        ``(B) Land and other property described.--The land
                    or other property described in this subparagraph is any
                    land or other property--
                                ``(i) that is directly affected by the
                            proposed construction, modification, or
                            operation of a transmission facility of
                            national significance, including all facility
                            sites;
                                ``(ii) that is located within the greater
                            of--
                                        ``(I) 0.25 miles from a proposed
                                    facility site for a transmission
                                    facility of national significance; or
                                        ``(II) a minimum distance from the
                                    proposed transmission facility of
                                    national significance as specified by
                                    State law; or
                                ``(iii) contains a residence that is within
                            3,000 feet of a proposed facility site for a
                            transmission facility of national significance.
                ``(2) Alternating current transmission facility.--The term
            `alternating current transmission facility' means a
            transmission facility that uses alternating current for the
            bulk transmission of electric energy.
                ``(3) Electric power transmission line.--The term `electric
            power transmission line' means, as applicable--
                        ``(A) an alternating current transmission facility;
                        ``(B) a high-voltage, direct current transmission
                    facility; or
                        ``(C) infrastructure associated with an alternating
                    current transmission facility or a high-voltage, direct
                    current transmission facility, including substations
                    and switchyards.
                ``(4) Facility site.--The term `facility site' includes--
                        ``(A) an area covered by a right-of-way;
                        ``(B) an access road;
                        ``(C) a contractor yard where equipment and
                    material are stored or where assembly work is
                    conducted; and
                        ``(D) any temporary workspace.
                ``(5) High-voltage, direct current transmission facility.--
            The term `high-voltage, direct current transmission facility'
            means a transmission facility that uses direct current for the
            bulk transmission of electric energy.
                ``(6) Tribal land.--The term `Tribal land' has the meaning
            given the term `Indian land' in section 2601 of the Energy
            Policy Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3501).''.
        (b) Conforming Changes to the Federal Power Act.--
                (1) Siting of interstate electric transmission
            facilities.--Section 216 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
            824p) is amended--
                        (A) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``(including
                    transmission of electric energy from the outer
                    Continental Shelf to a State)'' after ``interstate
                    commerce''; and
                        (B) in subsection (h)--
                                (i) by amending paragraph (2) to read as
                            follows:
                ``(2) Lead agency.--For the purposes of coordinating all
            applicable Federal authorizations and related environmental
            reviews--
                        ``(A) the Commission shall act as the lead agency
                    in the case of--
                                ``(i) except as provided in subparagraph
                            (B), a transmission facility of national
                            significance in a national interest electric
                            transmission corridor designated by the
                            Secretary under subsection (a); or
                                ``(ii) a transmission facility of national
                            significance for which an application has been
                            submitted for a certificate of public
                            convenience and necessity under section 227;
                        ``(B) the Department of the Interior shall act as
                    the lead agency in the case of a transmission facility
                    of national significance in a national interest
                    electric transmission corridor designated by the
                    Secretary under subsection (a) that is located on a
                    lease, easement, or right-of-way granted by the
                    Secretary of the Interior under section 8(p)(1)(C) of
                    the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.
                    1337(p)(1)(C)); and
                        ``(C) the Department of Energy shall act as the
                    lead agency in the case of any other transmission
                    facility of national significance.'';
                                (ii) in each of paragraphs (3), (4)(B),
                            (4)(C), (5)(B), (6)(A), (7)(A), (8)(A)(i), and
                            (9), by striking ``Secretary'' each place it
                            appears and inserting ``applicable lead
                            agency'';
                                (iii) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``As
                            head of the lead agency, the Secretary'' and
                            inserting ``The applicable lead agency'';
                                (iv) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``As
                            lead agency head, the Secretary'' and inserting
                            ``The applicable lead agency''; and
                                (v) in paragraph (7)--
                                        (I) in subparagraph (A), by
                                    striking ``after the date of enactment
                                    of this section'' and inserting ``after
                                    the date of enactment of the Energy
                                    Bills Relief Act''; and
                                        (II) in subparagraph (B), by
                                    amending clause (i) to read as follows:
                ``(i) Not later than six months after the date of enactment
            of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary, the Commission,
            and the heads of all Federal agencies with authority to issue
            Federal authorizations shall enter into a memorandum of
            understanding to ensure the timely and coordinated review and
            permitting of electric transmission facilities.''.
                (2) Transmission infrastructure investment.--Section
            219(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824s(b)(4)(B))
            is amended by striking ``section 216'' and inserting ``sections
            216 and 227''.

    SEC. 406. PROHIBITING EXPENSIVE, UNJUST QUEUE JUMPING.

        Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 228. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN PROCEDURES TO EXPEDITE
                  INTERCONNECTION REQUESTS.

        ``(a) Limitation.--The Commission may not establish or authorize a
    covered procedure unless--
                ``(1) the Commission finds, by clear and convincing
            evidence and in accordance with subsection (b), that reliance
            upon existing procedures for processing interconnection
            requests would jeopardize the reliable operation of the bulk-
            power system by failing to address predicted demand for
            electric energy;
                ``(2) such covered procedure--
                        ``(A) provides only for a one-time opportunity to
                    submit applications for generators to interconnect with
                    the bulk power system;
                        ``(B) only allows for the adjustment of a generator
                    interconnection queue to prioritize an interconnection
                    on the basis of the potential for such interconnection
                    to address the continued reliable operation of the
                    bulk-power system, as determined by the Commission
                    consistent with subsection (c); and
                        ``(C) does not provide for the prioritization of
                    generating facilities or energy storage systems based
                    upon the means by which the energy is generated or
                    stored, respectively.
        ``(b) Finding Requirements.--In making the finding under subsection
    (a)(1), the Commission shall--
                ``(1) use predictions of growth in the demand for electric
            energy that are based on the best available data and account
            for the possibility of duplicative load interconnection
            requests by customers with high demand for electric energy,
            including by averaging such predictions if there is a range;
            and
                ``(2) account for the energy generation and storage
            capacity likely to enter commercial operation by using surplus
            interconnection service and generator replacement or
            interconnection right transfer processes.
        ``(c) Determinations for Priority.--To make a determination
    referred to in subsection (a)(2)(B), the Commission must determine--
                ``(1) the adjustment of a generator interconnection queue
            has the demonstrated ability to allow a prioritized energy
            generating facility or storage system to commence operation
            prior to the potential unreliable operation of the bulk-power
            system, taking into consideration factors such as if such
            prioritized facility or system--
                        ``(A) has signed an engineering agreement;
                        ``(B) has signed contracts for procurement or
                    construction relating to such prioritized facility or
                    system;
                        ``(C) has access to any equipment necessary to be
                    procured in advance;
                        ``(D) has access to any fuel necessary for the
                    operation of such prioritized facility or system;
                        ``(E) has obtained any necessary permits for the
                    construction or operation of such prioritized facility
                    or system; and
                        ``(F) would require extensive construction or
                    modification to relevant electric transmission or
                    distribution infrastructure.
        ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
                ``(1) Bulk-power system; reliable operation.--The terms
            `bulk-power system' and `reliable operation' have the meanings
            given those terms in section 215.
                ``(2) Covered procedure.--
                        ``(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the
                    term `covered procedure' means a procedure to expedite
                    the study and processing of generator interconnection
                    requests for certain generating facilities or energy
                    storage systems that--
                                ``(i) previously submitted such a request;
                            and
                                ``(ii) but for such procedure, would
                            otherwise be assigned a higher position in the
                            generator interconnection queue.
                        ``(B) The term `covered procedure' shall not
                    include any procedure to expedite requests for
                    generator interconnection relating to requests for
                    energy-resource interconnection service, connect-and-
                    manage approaches, reassigning surplus interconnection
                    service, or reassigning generator interconnection
                    rights after the retirement of a generating facility or
                    energy storage system.''.

                           Subtitle B--Tax and Grants

    SEC. 411. TRANSMISSION INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.

        (a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
    of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
    section 48E the following:

    ``SEC. 48F. QUALIFYING ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION LINE CREDIT.

        ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--For purposes of section 46, the
    qualifying electric power transmission line credit for any taxable year
    is an amount equal to 6 percent of the qualified investment for such
    taxable year with respect to any qualifying electric power transmission
    line property of the taxpayer.
        ``(b) Qualified Investment.--
                ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
            qualified investment for any taxable year is the basis of any
            qualifying electric power transmission line property placed in
            service by the taxpayer during such taxable year.
                ``(2) Certain qualified progress expenditures rules made
            applicable.--Rules similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4)
            and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the date
            of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990)
            shall apply for purposes of this section.
        ``(c) Qualifying Electric Power Transmission Line Property.--For
    purposes of this section, the term `qualifying electric power
    transmission line property' means any overhead, submarine, or
    underground property--
                ``(1) which is a qualifying electric power transmission
            line that transmits electricity--
                        ``(A) across no fewer than 2 States or not less
                    than 150 continuous miles, or
                        ``(B) across the Outer Continental Shelf (as
                    defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Lands Act
                    (43 U.S.C. 1331)), or
                ``(2) which is related transmission property.
        ``(d) Qualifying Electric Power Transmission Line.--For purposes of
    this section--
                ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying electric power
            transmission line' means any applicable new transmission
            property and any modified existing transmission property.
                ``(2) Applicable new transmission property.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The term `applicable new
                    transmission property' means any electric power
                    transmission line which is--
                                ``(i) originally placed in service after
                            the date of the enactment of this section,
                                ``(ii) primarily used for 1 or more
                            purposes described in subparagraph (B), and
                                ``(iii) described in subparagraph (C).
                        ``(B) Purposes described.--The purposes described
                    in this subparagraph are--
                                ``(i) enhancing resilience to prepare for,
                            withstand, and recover rapidly from disruptions
                            from the impact of weather events, wildfires,
                            or natural disasters,
                                ``(ii) addressing clearance concerns,
                                ``(iii) facilitating the interconnection of
                            electric power generation capacity to the bulk-
                            power system (as defined in section 215 of the
                            Federal Power Act), or
                                ``(iv) addressing high load needs of 2,000
                            ampere and above.
                        ``(C) Additional requirements for new transmission
                    property.--An electric power transmission line is
                    described in this subparagraph if--
                                ``(i) such transmission line--
                                        ``(I) includes an advanced
                                    transmission conductor, and
                                        ``(II) is capable of transmitting
                                    electricity at a voltage of not less
                                    than 100 kilovolts, or
                                ``(ii) such transmission line--
                                        ``(I) is a superconducting
                                    transmission line or is capable of
                                    transmitting electricity at a voltage
                                    of at least 345 kilovolts, and
                                        ``(II) has a transmission capacity
                                    of not less than 750 megawatts or is a
                                    transmission line described in
                                    subparagraph (D).
                        ``(D) Multiple transmission lines located in the
                    same right-of-way.--A transmission line is described in
                    this subparagraph if such a transmission line--
                                ``(i) is co-located in the same right-of-
                            way or adjacent right-of-way as 1 or more other
                            overhead, submarine, or underground
                            transmission lines, and
                                ``(ii) together with the other transmission
                            lines described in subparagraph (A), has a
                            transmission capacity of not less than 1,000
                            megawatts.
                ``(3) Modified existing transmission property.--The term
            `modified existing transmission property' means any electric
            power transmission line which--
                        ``(A) was placed in service before the date of the
                    enactment of this section,
                        ``(B) is modified after the date of enactment of
                    this Act in a manner that--
                                ``(i) increases the transmission capacity
                            of such transmission line by not less than 500
                            megawatts, or
                                ``(ii) includes an advanced transmission
                            conductor that transmits electricity at a
                            voltage of not less than 100 kilovolts, and
                        ``(C) after the completion of such modification, is
                    an electric power transmission line which satisfies the
                    requirements under subclauses (ii) and (iii) of
                    paragraph (2)(A).
                ``(4) Advanced transmission conductor.--The term `advanced
            transmission conductor' means a transmission conductor
            technology that uses recently developed technology or materials
            such as a composite core and such other future advances as
            determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
            of Energy.
                ``(5) Superconducting transmission line.--The term
            `superconducting transmission line' means a transmission line
            that conducts all of its current over a super-conducting
            material.
        ``(e) Related Transmission Property.--For purposes of this
    section--
                ``(1) In general.--The term `related transmission property'
            means any of the following:
                        ``(A) Transmission property used for
                    interconnection or generator tie-line.--Any electric
                    power transmission line which is--
                                ``(i) placed in service after the date of
                            enactment of this section,
                                ``(ii) primarily used--
                                        ``(I) as a generator
                                    interconnection tie line at an
                                    associated facility that extends from
                                    the secondary (high) side of a
                                    generator step-up transformer to the
                                    point of interconnection with the host
                                    transmission owner from interconnecting
                                    new generation resources or facilities
                                    to the electric grid, or
                                        ``(II) for network upgrades
                                    associated with the interconnection of
                                    new generation resources or facilities
                                    to the electric grid,
                                ``(iii) primarily used for 1 or more
                            purposes described in subsection (d)(2)(B), and
                                ``(iv) capable of transmitting electricity
                            at a voltage of not less than 230 kilovolts.
                        ``(B) Grid enhancing technology.--Any grid
                    enhancing technology property used in the operation of
                    the electric power transmission line described in
                    paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (d).
                        ``(C) Subcomponents.--Any conductors or cables,
                    towers, insulators, reactors, capacitors, circuit
                    breakers, static VAR compensators, static synchronous
                    compensators, power converters, transformers,
                    synchronous condensers, braking resistors, and any
                    ancillary facilities and equipment necessary for the
                    proper operation of the electric power transmission
                    line described in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection
                    (d) or for the proper operation of any property
                    described in subsection (d)(2).
                ``(2) Grid enhancing technology property.--The term `grid
            enhancing technology property' means power flow controls and
            transmission switching equipment, storage technology, and
            hardware or software that enables dynamic line ratings,
            advanced line rating management technologies, on new or
            existing transmission property for the purpose of enhancing the
            capacity, efficiency, resiliency, or reliability of an electric
            power transmission system and such other similar property
            determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
            of Energy.
        ``(f) Increased Credit Amount for Certain Transmission Line
    Property.--
                ``(1) In general.--In the case of any qualifying electric
            power transmission line property which meets the requirements
            of paragraph (2), the amount of credit determined under
            subsection (a) (determined without regard to this subsection)
            shall be equal to such amount multiplied by 5.
                ``(2) Facility requirements.--Qualifying electric power
            transmission line property shall be treated as meeting the
            requirements of this paragraph if--
                        ``(A) the construction of such property meets rules
                    similar to the rules of section 48(a)(10) (relating to
                    prevailing wage requirements) and section 45(b)(8)
                    (relating to apprenticeship requirements), or
                        ``(B) the construction of such property begins
                    before the date that is 60 days after the Secretary
                    publishes guidance with respect to the requirements
                    under subparagraph (A).
        ``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any property
    the construction of which begins after December 31, 2035.''.
        (b) Public Utility Property.--Paragraph (2) of section 50(d) of the
    Internal Revenue Code is amended--
                (1) by striking ``(as defined in section 48(c)(6))'' and
            inserting ``(as defined in section 48(c)(6), except that
            subparagraph (D) of such section shall not apply) or any
            qualifying electric power transmission line property (as
            defined by section 48F(c))'', and
                (2) in subparagraph (B)--
                        (A) by inserting ``or qualifying electric power
                    transmission line property'' after ``each energy
                    storage technology'', and
                        (B) by inserting ``or the qualifying electric power
                    transmission line property'' after ``the energy storage
                    technology''.
        (c) Transfer of Certain Credits.--Section 6418(f)(1)(A) of the
    Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
                                ``(xiii) The qualifying electric power
                            transmission line credit under section 48F.''.
        (d) Conforming Amendments.--
                (1) Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
            amended--
                        (A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end,
                        (B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``, and'', and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(8) the qualifying electric power transmission line
            credit.''.
                (2) Section 49(a)(1)(C) of such Code is amended--
                        (A) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end,
                        (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``, and'', and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                                ``(ix) the basis of any qualifying electric
                            power transmission line property under section
                            48F.''.
                (3) The table of sections for subpart E of part IV of
            subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting
            after the item relating to section 48E the following new item:

    ``Sec. 48F. Qualifying electric power transmission line credit.''.
        (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
    apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.

    SEC. 412. REDUCED WILDFIRE RISKS TO THE GRID.

        (a) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                        (A) an electric grid operator;
                        (B) an electricity storage operator;
                        (C) an electricity generator;
                        (D) a transmission owner or operator;
                        (E) a distribution provider;
                        (F) a fuel supplier; and
                        (G) any other relevant entity, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                (2) Power line.--The term ``power line'' includes a
            transmission line or a distribution line, as applicable.
                (3) Program.--The term ``program'' means the program
            established under subsection (b).
        (b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program under
    which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities, States, and
    Indian Tribes in accordance with this section.
        (c) Grants to Eligible Entities.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant under the
            program to an eligible entity to carry out activities that--
                        (A) are supplemental to existing hardening efforts
                    of the eligible entity planned for any given year; and
                        (B)(i) reduce the risk of any power lines owned or
                    operated by the eligible entity causing a wildfire; or
                                (ii) increase the ability of the eligible
                            entity to reduce the likelihood and
                            consequences of wildfires.
                (2) Application.--
                        (A) In general.--An eligible entity desiring a
                    grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary
                    an application at such time, in such manner, and
                    containing such information as the Secretary may
                    require.
                        (B) Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a
                    grant under the program, an eligible entity shall
                    submit to the Secretary, as part of the application of
                    the eligible entity submitted under subparagraph (A), a
                    report detailing past, current, and future efforts by
                    the eligible entity to reduce the likelihood and
                    consequences of wildfires.
                (3) Limitation.--The Secretary may not award a grant to an
            eligible entity in an amount that is greater than the total
            amount that the eligible entity has spent in the previous 3
            years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of
            wildfires.
                (4) Priority.--In making grants to eligible entities under
            the program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects
            that, in the determination of the Secretary, will generate the
            greatest community benefit (whether rural or urban) in reducing
            the likelihood and consequences of wildfires.
                (5) Small utilities set aside.--The Secretary shall ensure
            that not less than 30 percent of the amounts made available to
            eligible entities under the program are made available to
            eligible entities that sell not more than 4,000,000 megawatt
            hours of electricity per year.
        (d) Grants to States and Indian Tribes.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary, in accordance with this
            subsection, may make grants under the program to States and
            Indian Tribes, which each State or Indian Tribe may use to
            award grants to eligible entities.
                (2) Annual application.--
                        (A) In general.--For each fiscal year, to be
                    eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a
                    State or Indian Tribe shall submit to the Secretary an
                    application that includes a plan described in
                    subparagraph (B).
                        (B) Plan required.--A plan prepared by a State or
                    Indian Tribe for purposes of an application described
                    in subparagraph (A) shall--
                                (i) describe the criteria and methods that
                            will be used by the State or Indian Tribe to
                            award grants to eligible entities;
                                (ii) be adopted after notice and a public
                            hearing; and
                                (iii) describe the proposed funding
                            distributions and recipients of the grants to
                            be provided by the State or Indian Tribe.
                (3) Distribution of funds.--
                        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants
                    to States and Indian Tribes under this subsection based
                    on a formula determined by the Secretary, in accordance
                    with subparagraph (B).
                        (B) Requirement.--The formula referred to in
                    subparagraph (A) shall be based on the following
                    factors:
                                (i) The total population of the State or
                            Indian Tribe.
                                (ii)(I) The total area of the State or the
                            land of the Indian Tribe; or
                                        (II) the areas in the State or on
                                    the land of the Indian Tribe with a low
                                    ratio of electricity customers per
                                    mileage of power lines.
                                (iii) The Wildfire Risk Index score and
                            rating as calculated by the Federal Emergency
                            Management Agency.
                                (iv) The probability of wildfires in the
                            State or on the land of the Indian Tribe during
                            the previous 10 years, as determined based on
                            the number of federally declared disasters or
                            emergencies related to wildfires in the State
                            or on the land of the Indian Tribe, as
                            applicable, including--
                                        (I) disasters for which Fire
                                    Management Assistance Grants are
                                    provided under section 420 of the
                                    Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
                                    Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
                                    5187);
                                        (II) major disasters declared by
                                    the President under section 401 of that
                                    Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);
                                        (III) emergencies declared by the
                                    President under section 501 of that Act
                                    (42 U.S.C. 5191); and
                                        (IV) any other federally declared
                                    disaster or emergency in the State or
                                    on the land of the Indian Tribe.
                                (v) The number and severity, measured by
                            population and economic impacts, of wildfires
                            experienced by the State or Indian Tribe on or
                            after January 1, 2015.
                                (vi) The total amount, on a per capita
                            basis, of public and private expenditures
                            during the previous 10 years to carry out
                            mitigation efforts to reduce the likelihood and
                            consequences of wildfires in the State or on
                            the land of the Indian Tribe, with States or
                            Indian Tribes with higher per capita
                            expenditures receiving additional weight or
                            consideration as compared to States or Indian
                            Tribes with lower per capita expenditures.
                        (C) Annual update of data used in distribution of
                    funds.--Beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of
                    this Act, the Secretary shall annually update--
                                (i) all data relating to the factors
                            described in subparagraph (B); and
                                (ii) all other data used in distributing
                            grants to States and Indian Tribes under this
                            subsection.
                (4) Oversight.--The Secretary shall ensure that each grant
            provided to a State or Indian Tribe under the program is
            allocated, pursuant to the applicable plan of the State or
            Indian Tribe, to eligible entities for projects within the
            State or on the land of the Indian Tribe.
                (5) Priority.--In making grants to eligible entities using
            funds made available to the applicable State or Indian Tribe
            under the program, the State or Indian Tribe shall give
            priority to projects that, in the determination of the State or
            Indian Tribe, will generate the greatest community benefit
            (whether rural or urban) in reducing the likelihood and
            consequences of wildfires.
                (6) Small utilities set aside.--A State or Indian Tribe
            receiving a grant under the program shall ensure that, of the
            amounts made available to eligible entities from funds made
            available to the State or Indian Tribe under the program, the
            percentage made available to eligible entities that sell not
            more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year is
            not less than the percentage of all customers in the State or
            Indian Tribe that are served by those eligible entities.
                (7) Technical assistance and administrative expenses.--Of
            the amounts made available to a State or Indian Tribe under the
            program each fiscal year, the State or Indian Tribe may use not
            more than 5 percent for--
                        (A) providing technical assistance under subsection
                    (g)(1)(A); and
                        (B) administrative expenses associated with the
                    program.
                (8) Matching requirement.--Each State and Indian Tribe
            shall be required to match 15 percent of the amount of each
            grant provided to the State or Indian Tribe under the program.
        (e) Use of Grants.--
                (1) In general.--A grant awarded to an eligible entity
            under the program may be used for activities, technologies,
            equipment, and hardening measures to reduce the likelihood and
            consequences of wildfires, including--
                        (A) weatherization technologies and equipment;
                        (B) fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention
                    systems;
                        (C) monitoring and control technologies, including
                    digital tools;
                        (D) the undergrounding of electrical equipment;
                        (E) utility pole management;
                        (F) the relocation of power lines or the
                    reconductoring of power lines with low-sag, advanced
                    conductors;
                        (G) vegetation and fuel-load management;
                        (H) the use or construction of distributed energy
                    resources for enhancing system adaptive capacity during
                    wildfires, including--
                                (i) microgrids; and
                                (ii) battery-storage subcomponents;
                        (I) adaptive protection technologies;
                        (J) advanced modeling technologies;
                        (K) hardening of power lines, facilities,
                    substations, of other systems;
                        (L) the replacement of old overhead conductors and
                    underground cables; and
                        (M) the removal or replacement of old power lines.
                (2) Prohibitions and limitations.--
                        (A) In general.--A grant awarded to an eligible
                    entity under the program may not be used for--
                                (i) construction of a new--
                                        (I) electric generating facility;
                                    or
                                        (II) large-scale battery-storage
                                    facility that is not used for enhancing
                                    system adaptive capacity during
                                    wildfires; or
                                (ii) cybersecurity.
                        (B) Certain investments eligible for recovery.--
                                (i) In general.--An eligible entity may not
                            seek cost recovery for the portion of the cost
                            of any system, technology, or equipment that is
                            funded through a grant awarded under the
                            program.
                                (ii) Savings provision.--Nothing in this
                            subparagraph prohibits an eligible entity from
                            recovering through traditional or incentive-
                            based ratemaking any portion of an investment
                            in a system, technology, or equipment that is
                            not funded by a grant awarded under the
                            program.
                        (C) Application limitations.--An eligible entity
                    may not submit an application for a grant provided by
                    the Secretary under subsection (c) and a grant provided
                    by a State or Indian Tribe pursuant to subsection (d)
                    during the same application cycle.
        (f) Distribution of Funding.--Of the amounts made available to
    carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall ensure
    that--
                (1) 50 percent is used to award grants to eligible entities
            under subsection (c); and
                (2) 50 percent is used to make grants to States and Indian
            Tribes under subsection (d).
        (g) Technical and Other Assistance.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary, States, and Indian Tribes
            may--
                        (A) provide technical assistance and facilitate the
                    distribution and sharing of information to reduce the
                    likelihood and consequences of wildfires; and
                        (B) promulgate consumer-facing information and
                    resources to inform the public of best practices and
                    resources relating to reducing the likelihood and
                    consequences of wildfires.
                (2) Use of funds by the secretary.--Of the amounts made
            available to the Secretary to carry out the program each fiscal
            year, the Secretary may use not more than 5 percent for--
                        (A) providing technical assistance under paragraph
                    (1)(A); and
                        (B) administrative expenses associated with the
                    program.
        (h) Matching Requirement.--
                (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an
            eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall
            be required to match 100 percent of the amount of the grant.
                (2) Exception for small utilities.--An eligible entity that
            sells not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per
            year shall be required to match \1/3\ of the amount of the
            grant.
        (i) Biennial Report to Congress.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter through,
            the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
            Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and
            Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing
            the program.
                (2) Requirements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
            include information and data on--
                        (A) the costs of the projects for which grants are
                    awarded to eligible entities;
                        (B) the types of activities, technologies,
                    equipment, and hardening measures funded by those
                    grants; and
                        (C) the extent to which the ability of the power
                    grid to withstand and reduce the likelihood of
                    wildfires has increased.
        (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program $3,000,000,000
    for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
        (k) Continued Activities.--The Secretary shall carry out the
    program, in addition to any activities authorized under Section 40103
    of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).
        (l) Davis-Bacon.--All laborers and mechanics employed by
    contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction,
    alteration, or repair work on a project assisted in whole or in part by
    funds made available under this section (or any amendment made by this
    section) shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on
    similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of
    Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40,
    United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Davis-Bacon Act''),
    and the regulations issued thereunder at 29 CFR Part 5 (Davis-Bacon and
    Related Acts regulations). Compliance with these labor standards shall
    be a condition of receiving assistance under this section, and the
    Secretary concerned shall require that all contracts and subcontracts
    include the labor standards clauses prescribed by the Secretary of
    Labor.

                   Subtitle C--Transmission Governance Reform

    SEC. 421. FERC STAFFING.

        (a) Ensuring Timely Review of Infrastructure.--Section 401(k) of
    the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7171(k)) is
    amended--
                (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subchapter III of'';
                (2) in paragraph (2)--
                        (A) by striking subparagraph (A); and
                        (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E)
                    as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; and
                (3) in paragraph (6)--
                        (A) by striking ``The Chairman'' and inserting the
                    following:
                        ``(A) In general.--The Chairman''; and
                        (B) by adding at the end the following:
                        ``(B) Implementation plan.--Not later than 90 days
                    after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
                    Chairman shall submit to the Director of the Office of
                    Personnel Management a plan to implement this
                    subsection. The Director of the Office of Personnel
                    Management shall take final action on the plan not
                    later than 120 days after the submission of such
                    plan.''.
        (b) Direct Hire Authority.--Section 401 of the Department of Energy
    Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7171) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
        ``(l) Direct Hire Authority.--
                ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 3304 of title 5,
            United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of
            sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, if the Chairman of
            the Commission issues a certification that there is as severe
            shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for covered
            positions to carry out the Commission's responsibilities and
            activities, the Chairman may, subject to paragraph (3), recruit
            and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the
            competitive service.
                ``(2) Limitation.--Any action authorized pursuant to
            paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the merit principles of
            section 2301 of title 5, United States Code, and the Commission
            shall comply with the public notice requirements of section
            3327 of such title 5.
                ``(3) Termination.--
                        ``(A) In general.--A certification issued or
                    renewed under this subsection shall terminate on the
                    earlier of--
                                ``(i) the date that is 5 years after the
                            certification is issued or renewed; or
                                ``(ii) the date on which the Chairman
                            determines that there is no longer a severe
                            shortage of candidates or a critical hiring
                            need for covered positions to carry out the
                            Commission's responsibilities and activities.
                        ``(B) Renewal.--The Chairman may renew a
                    certification issued or renewed under this subsection
                    for an additional 5-year period if the Chairman
                    determines there is still a severe shortage of
                    candidates or a critical hiring need for covered
                    positions to carry out the Commission's
                    responsibilities and activities.
                ``(4) Covered position.--In this subsection, the term
            `covered position' means a position in which an employee is
            responsible for conducting work of a scientific, technical,
            engineering, mathematical, legal, or otherwise highly
            specialized or skilled nature.''.
        (c) Elimination of Reporting Sunset.--Section 11004(b) of the
    Energy Act of 2020 (42 U.S.C. 7171 note; Public Law 116-260) is
    amended--
                (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``thereafter for 10
            years'' and inserting ``thereafter''; and
                (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``or mathematical''
            and inserting ``mathematical, or otherwise highly specialized
            or skilled''.

    SEC. 422. FERC FEE ASSESSMENTS.

        Section 3401 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (42
    U.S.C. 7178) is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(h) Review.--Not less often than once every 5 years, the
    Commission shall undertake a review to determine if the fees and
    charges it assesses under this section and other laws are sufficient to
    allow the Commission to handle its workload in an expedient manner.''.

    SEC. 423. STATE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION CAPACITY GRANTS.

        (a) Establishment.--Not later than 2 years following the enactment
    of this title, the Secretary of Energy shall establish a program under
    which the Secretary shall award grants to State regulatory authorities
    to increase the capacity of said authorities to evaluate filings made
    by utilities related to transmission and integrated resource plans,
    including through the hiring of economic modelers, engineers, and
    others with relevant expertise.
        (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary of Energy such sums as may be necessary
    to carry out this section.

    SEC. 424. INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION MONITORS.

        (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Commission shall--
                (1) require each transmission planning region to establish
            an independent entity to monitor the planning for, and
            operation of, transmission facilities in the transmission
            planning region; or
                (2) establish an independent entity to monitor the planning
            for, and operation of, transmission facilities in all
            transmission planning regions.
        (b) Role of Transmission Monitor.--An independent entity described
    in subsection (a) shall provide independent analysis of transmission
    planning and ratemaking processes by the Commission and Transmission
    Organizations to inform Commission proceedings, including by, as
    applicable--
                (1) reviewing the operation and practices of transmission
            facilities in the applicable transmission planning region for
            inefficiency;
                (2) investigating whether any rate, charge, or
            classification for transmission facilities in the applicable
            transmission planning region, or any rule, regulation,
            practice, or contract affecting such a rate, charge, or
            classification, is unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory
            or preferential;
                (3) reviewing the transmission planning process for the
            applicable transmission planning region, including processes
            for planning new and upgraded local transmission projects;
                (4) reviewing transmission facility costs in the applicable
            transmission planning region;
                (5) providing examples and advice to Transmission
            Organizations in the applicable transmission planning region on
            regional transmission operations, planning, and cost-allocation
            processes;
                (6) identifying situations in which it is cost-effective or
            otherwise appropriate to construct or deploy advanced
            transmission technologies, demand-side energy efficiency
            measures, demand response, and distributed energy resources,
            including rooftop and community solar, microgrids, and storage;
                (7) coordinating and sharing information with State
            regulatory authorities in the applicable transmission planning
            region; and
                (8) identifying reliable data sets and methodologies for
            use in regional planning and providing access to data to
            stakeholders.
        (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
    alter the sole power of the Commission to, under sections 205 and 206
    of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824d; 824e), determine if any
    rates, charges, or classifications are unjust, unreasonable, or unduly
    discriminatory or preferential.
        (d) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (2) Advanced transmission technology; state regulatory
            authority; transmission organization; transmission planning
            region.--The terms ``advanced transmission technology'',
            ``State regulatory authority'', ``Transmission Organization'',
            and ``transmission planning region'' have the meanings given
            such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
            796).

    SEC. 425. AGGREGATOR BIDDING INTO ORGANIZED WHOLESALE ELECTRIC MARKETS.

        (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any prohibition established by a
    relevant electric retail regulatory authority with respect to who may
    bid into an organized wholesale electric market, each Transmission
    Organization shall, with respect to the organized wholesale electric
    market controlled by the Transmission Organization, allow any bid from
    an aggregator of retail customers that aggregates the demand
    flexibility of the customers of utilities that distributed more than 4
    million megawatt-hours in the previous fiscal year. Such flexibility
    may be achieved through demand response, distributed generation,
    distributed storage, and community-based or municipal aggregation
    programs.
        (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule
    pursuant to subsection (a).
        (c) Standard Procedures.--Each Transmission Organization shall
    establish standardized registration, telemetry, and settlement
    procedures for aggregators of distributed energy resources to ensure
    non-discriminatory participation and data access.
        (d) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (2) Electric retail regulatory authority.--The term
            ``electric retail regulatory authority'' means an entity that
            establishes retail electricity prices and retail competition
            policies for customers.
                (3) Transmission organization.--The term ``Transmission
            Organization'' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of
            the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).

    SEC. 426. RTO AND ISO GOVERNANCE AND PARTICIPATION.

        (a) Technical Conference.--Not later than 120 days after the date
    of enactment of this section, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
    shall convene a technical conference to consider Regional Transmission
    Organization and Independent System Operator independence from their
    members interests, the responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to consumers and
    other stakeholders, and ways for RTOs and ISOs to increase the
    equitable treatment of consumers and other stakeholders, including the
    effectiveness of stakeholder policies and procedures adopted in
    compliance with the final rule entitled ``Wholesale Competition in
    Regions With Organized Electric Markets'' published in the Federal
    Register on October 28, 2008 (73 Fed. Reg. 64100).
        (b) Participation.--The technical conference convened under
    subsection (a) shall be led by members of the Commission, and the
    Commission shall invite participation from representatives of each RTO
    and ISO, owners and operators of transmission facilities,
    representatives of entities that develop advanced transmission
    technologies, owners and operators of electric generation facilities
    that interconnect at either the transmission or distribution system
    level, including energy storage, end-use customers, electric power
    marketers, publicly owned electric utilities, consumer advocates,
    environmental justice advocates, environmental groups, State public
    utility commissions, State governors, and such other stakeholders as
    the Commission determines appropriate.
        (c) Topics.--In conducting the technical conference convened under
    subsection (a), the Commission shall seek to identify policies and
    procedures that maintain RTO and ISO independence, and enhance the
    responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to their customers and other
    stakeholders, taking into consideration--
                (1) the benefits of greater transparency in RTO and ISO
            stakeholder processes, including access by stakeholders to
            relevant data and written background materials;
                (2) barriers to participation in such stakeholder processes
            for new market participants and other non-incumbent
            stakeholders;
                (3) the need for periodic, independent review of RTO and
            ISO stakeholder policies and procedures;
                (4) power imbalances between incumbent and non-incumbent
            stakeholders, including whether current RTO and ISO membership
            rules, sectoral designations, and voting procedures allow for
            adequate representation of all stakeholder views;
                (5) how RTOs and ISOs should take State public policy
            objectives into consideration as part of such stakeholder
            processes;
                (6) whether existing RTO and ISO decision-making processes
            are sufficiently independent from the control of any market
            participant or class of participants;
                (7) the role of the Office of Public Participation of the
            Commission in facilitating greater stakeholder participation in
            RTOs and ISOs; and
                (8) such other subjects as the Commission considers
            appropriate.
        (d) Public Comment.--The Commission shall provide an opportunity
    for public comment on the technical conference convened under
    subsection (a).
        (e) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the conclusion of
    the technical conference convened under subsection (a), and after
    public notice and comment, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule
    adopting such policies and procedures as the Commission determines
    necessary to maintain the independence of RTOs and ISOs, and to enhance
    the transparency and responsiveness of RTOs and ISOs to their customers
    and other stakeholders.
        (f) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (2) Federal power act definitions.--The terms ``electric
            utility'', ``Independent System Operator'', ``ISO'', ``Regional
            Transmission Organization'', ``RTO'', and ``State commission''
            have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal
            Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).

    SEC. 427. MODERNIZED GRID DATA AND ANALYTICS.

        (a) Modernization of Reporting Information and Data Under the
    Federal Power Act.--
                (1) In general.--The Commission shall, by rule, standardize
            the manner in which information and data is reported by
            transmitting utilities and Transmission Organizations to the
            Commission under the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 972 et seq.)
            in accordance with this subsection.
                (2) Content of reports requirements.--In carrying out
            paragraph (1), the Commission shall require the information and
            data that will be reported, as it applies to projects, existing
            assets, or systems owned or operated by a transmitting utility
            or Transmission Organization, to include the following:
                        (A) Information and data relating to a project and
                    the lifecycle of such project, including--
                                (i) project milestones, including proposed,
                            approved, and actual in-service dates;
                                (ii) project classification information,
                            including whether the project represents new
                            construction, an upgrade, or a rebuild of
                            existing infrastructure;
                                (iii) major development history, including
                            original construction and last major upgrade
                            dates;
                                (iv) the location of any applicable
                            project;
                                (v) the project nameplate capacity, length,
                            voltage, and conductor material and
                            specifications; and
                                (vi) an identification of the applicable
                            planning process through which the applicable
                            project originated.
                        (B) The costs and economic justifications of a
                    project, existing asset, or system owned or operated by
                    a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization, as
                    applicable, including--
                                (i) original projected and actual final
                            costs of all new projects;
                                (ii) original projected and actual final
                            costs of renewals and replacements of project
                            works;
                                (iii) original projected and actual
                            maintenance and operations expenses of the
                            projects and existing assets on a current-year
                            and five-year rolling average basis;
                                (iv) cost allocation shares where
                            applicable, including identification of
                            entities responsible for shared investments in
                            projects;
                                (v) cost-benefit analyses of projects;
                                (vi) whether the project was subject to a
                            competitive solicitation process and, if
                            applicable, the outcome of that process; and
                                (vii) classification of the project based
                            on benefits provided, under the relevant
                            transmission planning framework.
                        (C) The capital structure and the rate of return of
                    a project, existing asset, or system owned or operated
                    by a transmitting utility or Transmission Organization,
                    including--
                                (i) the allowed return on equity (ROE),
                            return on debt, and return on preferred stock;
                                (ii) the utility's authorized or actual
                            capital structure, including the percentage of
                            debt, equity, and preferred stock used in
                            ratemaking;
                                (iii) the resulting overall weighted
                            average rate of return;
                                (iv) any FERC-approved incentive adders
                            applied to the base ROE, including rationale
                            and duration; and
                                (v) where applicable, information necessary
                            to assess potential double leveraging effects
                            arising from a holding company structure, as
                            defined by the Commission.
                        (D) For information and data relating to a system
                    owned or operated by a transmitting utility or
                    Transmission Organization, as applicable, congestion-
                    related costs or the costs incurred by ratepayers,
                    power supplies, or distribution customers as a result
                    of transmission system constraints that prevent the
                    dispatch of least-cost generation resources.
                        (E) Technical and non-technical losses and
                    inefficiencies.
                        (F) A complete accounting of interconnection-
                    related costs incurred by interconnection customers,
                    transmitting utilities, or other entities,
                    disaggregated by cost type and responsible party,
                    including--
                                (i) study fees;
                                (ii) milestones or reservation payments;
                                (iii) costs of local interconnection
                            attachment facilities;
                                (iv) grid network upgrade costs; and
                                (v) estimates of costs to a larger system.
                        (G) The projected and actual capacity and load of a
                    system owned or operated by a transmitting utility or
                    Transmission Organization and the projected and actual
                    amount of energy delivered by such system.
                        (H) Information and data on the use of capital-
                    efficient advanced technologies, including information
                    on--
                                (i) hourly usage;
                                (ii) the location of the technologies; and
                                (iii) the types of technologies deployed.
                        (I) Any additional metrics the Commission
                    determines necessary to improve ratepayer affordability
                    and understanding of the transmission sector.
                (3) Content of interconnection reports.--In carrying out
            paragraph (1), the Commission shall require a transmitting
            utility or Transmission Organization to report, no less than
            quarterly, to the Commission information and data on
            interconnection queues and details relating to interconnection
            study models used. Data reported under this paragraph shall
            include both historical and real time information to allow
            trend analysis and retrospective validation of study timelines.
                (4) Format of reports.--
                        (A) In general.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the
                    Commission shall ensure the completeness, accuracy, and
                    accessibility of information and data reported to the
                    Commission under the Federal Power Act, as the
                    Commission determines necessary, by--
                                (i) establishing standardized reporting
                            requirements that specify standards for
                            describing and recording such information and
                            data, and, if the Commission determines
                            appropriate, providing templates or other tools
                            to reduce administrative burden;
                                (ii) providing a format for such
                            information and data to be submitted in a
                            manner that is fully searchable and machine-
                            readable;
                                (iii) requiring any form filed by a
                            transmitting utility or a Transmission
                            Organization contains no blank cells, unless
                            clearly marked as exempt pursuant to
                            subparagraph (B);
                                (iv) requiring any projections required
                            under paragraph (1) are defined, including key
                            assumptions, methodologies, and any other
                            information that could influence the result of
                            the projection; and
                                (v) requiring data reported under this
                            subsection is also made available to the public
                            through a single, user-friendly web interface
                            that allows users to search, filter, and
                            download the data in a machine-readable format.
                        (B) Exemption.--A transmitting utility or a
                    Transmission Organization may request an exemption from
                    a requirement under subparagraph (A)(iii) if--
                                (i) such transmitting utility or
                            Transmission Organization submits to the
                            Commission a written statement explaining why
                            such an exemption is needed; and
                                (ii) the Commission determines that the
                            exemption is justified based on the written
                            statement submitted under clause (i).
                (5) FERC form no 1.--
                        (A) Refiling.--Not later than 1 year after the date
                    on which the Commission issues a rule under paragraph
                    (1), with respect to a covered form, in the event the
                    Commission determines that such covered form is
                    incomplete, the Commission shall require the relevant
                    transmitting utility or Transmission Organization to
                    file a revised FERC Form No. 1 in a manner that
                    complies with the requirements of paragraph (4) and the
                    requirements under section 141.1 of title 18, Code of
                    Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).
                        (B) Covered form defined.--In this subsection, the
                    term ``covered form'' means a FERC Form No. 1 filed
                    with the Commission by a transmitting utility or
                    Transmission Organization during the 5-year period
                    immediately preceding the date of enactment of this
                    Act.
                        (C) Modernization and centralization of ferc form
                    no. 1.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
                    enactment of this Act, the Commission, in collaboration
                    with the Administrator, shall make all historical and
                    future FERC Form No. 1 filings publicly available
                    through the centralized data repository established
                    under subsection (b).
        (b) Development of Centralized Data Repository.--
                (1) In general.--The Commission, in collaboration with the
            Administrator, shall develop and maintain a searchable and
            publicly accessible data repository containing information and
            data the Commission determines necessary to carry out the
            requirements of this Act, including information and data
            reported or filed by a transmitting utility or Transmission
            Organization--
                        (A) in FERC Form Nos. 1, 1-F, 3-Q, 714, 715, and
                    730, including information or data from these forms
                    reported prior to the date of enactment of this Act;
                    and
                        (B) pursuant to the requirements of this Act.
                (2) EIA expertise.--In collaborating with the Commission
            under this subsection with respect to the data repository
            developed under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
                        (A) develop and maintain schemas and metadata for
                    Form No. 1 data consistent with section 3506(b)(6) of
                    title 44, United States Code;
                        (B) provide user-friendly tools to explore,
                    download, and analyze such data, including filtering by
                    utility, year, region, and data category; and
                        (C) ensure such data is accessible to the public in
                    both bulk and disaggregated forms, with Application
                    Programming Interfaces and visualization tools where
                    feasible.
                (3) Requirements.--The Commissioner shall ensure that the
            data repository developed and maintained under paragraph (1)--
                        (A) includes the data in fully searchable and
                    machine-readable format;
                        (B) is capable of including high-quality data
                    through schemas and accompanying metadata;
                        (C) ensures consistent identification of data
                    elements or assets that satisfy regulatory requirements
                    for data, established by the Commission, as reflected
                    in machine-readable metadata;
                        (D) uses standardized data formats across all
                    Transmission Organizations and transmitting utilities;
                        (E) is used by Transmission Organizations and
                    transmitting utilities to file reports required under
                    the Federal Power Act and this Act;
                        (F) enables uploading of reports filed under the
                    Federal Power Act or this Act;
                        (G) is optimized for operability by Transmission
                    Organizations and transmitting utilities to limit the
                    administrative burden of, and ensure consistency in,
                    such filings;
                        (H) includes interactive tools and visualization
                    interfaces to allow users to explore trends in
                    transmission buildout, interconnection timelines, and
                    associated ratepayer costs;
                        (I) incorporates Application Programming Interfaces
                    or bulk download functionality to support third-party
                    analysis and research; and
                        (J) ensures that publicly accessible data is
                    aligned with the security of guidelines for Critical
                    Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information, and
                    includes appropriate data anonymization and
                    cybersecurity protections, based on Commission
                    guidance.
        (c) Grid Research and Analytics.--
                (1) Research and policy analysis.--The Secretary, in
            collaboration with the Commission, using standardized
            methodologies and anonymized queue data collected under this
            Act, shall conduct research and publish periodic reports on the
            following topics:
                        (A) Primary drivers of increased costs to
                    ratepayers associated with transmission and
                    interconnection, including--
                                (i) transmission capital expenditures;
                                (ii) interconnection-related upgrade costs;
                                (iii) interconnection study delays;
                                (iv) regional variations in cost allocation
                            methodologies; and
                                (v) cost recovery practices by utilities
                            and grid operators.
                        (B) Value delivered to ratepayers from transmission
                    and interconnection investments, including through--
                                (i) improvements to electric system
                            reliability;
                                (ii) avoided emissions or emissions
                            reductions; and
                                (iii) enhancements to long-term system
                            resilience and grid flexibility.
                        (C) Mechanisms to enhance ratepayer affordability,
                    including--
                                (i) evaluation of performance-based
                            regulation frameworks applied to transmission
                            and interconnection-related investments;
                                (ii) assessment of alternative
                            interconnection solutions such as advanced
                            transmission technologies, shared
                            infrastructure models, or consolidated
                            upgrades; and
                                (iii) evaluation of demand-side
                            interventions that reduce the need for costly
                            transmission or interconnection investments.
                        (D) Comparative scenario modeling of potential
                    energy futures, to--
                                (i) identify lowest-cost pathways to
                            national grid expansion;
                                (ii) assess trade-offs among investment
                            strategies; and
                                (iii) inform decision-making by utilities,
                            regional planning entities, and Federal
                            agencies.
                        (E) Systemic cost impacts from interconnection
                    inefficiencies, including analysis of how study delays,
                    queue withdrawals, and increased construction periods
                    contribute to higher system costs for ratepayers or
                    generators.
                        (F) Opportunities to increase system efficiency and
                    unlock latent capacity through improved operational
                    practices and deployment of advanced technologies,
                    including--
                                (i) assessment of unused or underutilized
                            grid capacity due to outdated planning
                            assumptions or lack of dynamic optimization;
                                (ii) evaluation of technologies such as
                            dynamic line ratings, topology optimization,
                            flexible interconnection, or flow control
                            devices; and
                                (iii) quantification of benefits to
                            ratepayers and system operators from unlocking
                            this capacity relative to traditional capital-
                            intensive buildout.
                (2) Interconnection transparency and dashboard.--
                        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall, through 1 or
                    more National Laboratories, develop, maintain, and
                    continuously improve an Interconnection Data Dashboard
                    that presents real-time and historical information
                    relevant to interconnection of generators, loads, and
                    other utilities or transmission systems.
                        (B) Purpose.--The Dashboard shall provide public
                    stakeholders, regulators, utilities, developers, and
                    researchers with transparent, up-to-date insights into
                    the effectiveness, efficiency, affordability, and
                    reliability of interconnection processes across all
                    transmission planning regions.
                        (C) Data sources.--The Dashboard shall incorporate
                    data collected under subsection (b) of this Act and
                    from FERC Form No. 1 filings, relevant Commission
                    filings, publicly available interconnection queue data,
                    and additional datasets, as determined appropriate by
                    the Secretary or the Commission.
                        (D) Capabilities.--The Secretary shall develop the
                    Dashboard to be able to--
                                (i) present anonymized interconnection
                            queue data, including application volumes,
                            withdrawal rates, project timelines, and
                            milestones;
                                (ii) provide visualization of average and
                            median interconnection study durations,
                            disaggregated by region and project type;
                                (iii) show aggregated system upgrade costs,
                            study backlogs, and queue performance metrics;
                                (iv) allow filtering by geographic location
                            (e.g., State, balancing authority, latitude/
                            longitude coordinate), utility, fuel type, and
                            project size;
                                (v) present each interconnection project's
                            current development status, such as application
                            submitted, study phase, approved, under
                            construction, or in-service;
                                (vi) display physical asset characteristics
                            for each interconnection project and system
                            segment, including nameplate generation
                            capacity, peak load served, and conductor
                            capacity ratings;
                                (vii) identify trends in queue reform
                            outcomes, including impacts on throughput,
                            delay reduction, and project completion rates;
                                (viii) support export of underlying data in
                            machine-readable formats for public analysis;
                            and
                                (ix) perform any other function the
                            Secretary determines appropriate.
                        (E) Reporting.--The Secretary, in collaboration
                    with National Laboratories and the Commission, shall
                    publish annual reports summarizing findings from the
                    Dashboard, based on data collected pursuant to
                    subsection (b), without substituting for the more
                    comprehensive cost-driver analysis required under
                    paragraph (1), including--
                                (i) interregional comparisons of queue
                            efficiency and project success rates;
                                (ii) systemic drivers of delay or cost
                            escalation;
                                (iii) estimated ratepayer impacts
                            associated with interconnection bottlenecks;
                            and
                                (iv) recommendations for improving
                            interconnection transparency and system
                            performance.
                        (F) Public access.--The Dashboard shall be made
                    available on a public website and designed for use by a
                    broad range of users, including through visualizations,
                    downloadable datasets, and API access, while
                    maintaining protections for CEII.
        (d) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
            Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the
            Department of Energy.
                (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (3) Ferc form no. 1.--The term ``FERC Form No. 1'' means
            the Form of Annual Report for Major electric utilities,
            licensees, and others, designated as FERC Form No. 1 and
            prescribed under section 141.1 of title 18, Code of Federal
            Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
            Act).
                (4) Metadata.--The term ``metadata'' has the meaning given
            such term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.
                (5) Project.--The term ``project'' refers exclusively to
            transmission infrastructure projects planned, proposed, or
            undertaken by the transmitting utility. This includes projects
            initiated through--
                        (A) regional or local transmission planning
                    processes;
                        (B) interconnection studies;
                        (C) reliability-driven upgrades; and
                        (D) other applicable pathways as determined by the
                    Commission.
                (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
                (7) Transmitting utility; transmission organization.--The
            terms ``transmitting utility'', and ``Transmission
            Organization'' have the meanings given those terms in section 3
            of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).

     TITLE V--DEPLOYING LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLY ON PUBLIC LANDS
                                   AND WATERS

              Subtitle A--Public Land Renewable Energy Development

    SEC. 501. PUBLIC LAND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT.

        (a) Definitions.--In this Act:
                (1) Covered land.--The term ``covered land'' means land
            that is--
                        (A) Federal land;
                        (B) not excluded from the development of
                    geothermal, solar, or wind energy under--
                                (i) a land use plan; or
                                (ii) other Federal law; and
                        (C) not included in an area--
                                (i) that is subject to the Desert Renewable
                            Energy Conservation Plan developed by the
                            California Energy Commission, the California
                            Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of
                            Land Management, and the United States Fish and
                            Wildlife Service; or
                                (ii) for which the Secretary determines
                            existing wind and solar energy land use
                            planning meets or exceeds the standards
                            established under section 3.
                (2) Energy storage project.--The term ``energy storage
            project'' means equipment that--
                        (A) receives, stores, and delivers energy-using
                    batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen
                    storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage,
                    regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors,
                    superconducting magnets, or other technologies
                    identified by the Secretary of Energy; and
                        (B) has a storage capacity of not less than 5
                    kilowatt hours.
                (3) Exclusion area.--The term ``exclusion area'' means
            covered land that is identified by the Bureau of Land
            Management as not suitable for development of renewable energy
            projects.
                (4) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means--
                        (A) public land; and
                        (B) National Forest System lands administered by
                    the Department of Agriculture through the Forest
                    Service where the Secretary has authority to issue
                    leases for the development and utilization of
                    geothermal resources under section 3 and section 15 of
                    the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1002,
                    1014).
                (5) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Renewable Energy
            Resource Conservation Fund established by section 6(c)(1).
                (6) Land use plan.--The term ``land use plan'' means--
                        (A) with respect to public land, a land use plan
                    established under the Federal Land Policy and
                    Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
                        (B) with respect to National Forest System land, a
                    land management plan approved, amended, or revised
                    under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
                    Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
                (7) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest
            System'' has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the
            Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974
            (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
                (8) Priority area.--The term ``priority area'' means
            covered land identified by the land use planning process of the
            Bureau of Land Management as being a preferred location for a
            renewable energy project, including an area that is identified
            as a designated leasing area under the rule of the Bureau of
            Land Management entitled ``Competitive Processes, Terms, and
            Conditions for Leasing Public Lands for Solar and Wind Energy
            Development and Technical Changes and Corrections'' (81 Fed.
            Reg. 92122 (December 19, 2016)) (or a successor regulation).
                (9) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning
            given the term ``public lands'' in section 103 of the Federal
            Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
                (10) Renewable energy project.--The term ``renewable energy
            project''--
                        (A) means a project carried out on covered land
                    that--
                                (i) uses wind, solar, or geothermal energy
                            to generate energy; or
                                (ii) transmits electricity to support wind,
                            solar, or geothermal energy generation; and
                        (B) may include an associated energy storage
                    project.
                (11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of the Interior.
        (b) Updating National Goals for Renewable Energy Production on
    Federal Land.--Section 3104 of the Energy Act of 2020 (43 U.S.C. 3004)
    is amended--
                (1) in subsection (b)--
                        (A) by striking ``seek to'';
                        (B) by striking ``25'' and inserting ``60''; and
                        (C) by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``December
                    31, 2035''; and
                (2) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(c) Update.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
    of this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
    of Agriculture and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall
    update the national goals for renewable energy production on Federal
    land established under subsection (a).''.
        (c) Land Use Planning and Updates to Programmatic Environmental
    Impact Statements.--
                (1) Priority areas.--
                        (A) Establishment of priority areas; designation of
                    areas eligible for the submission of renewable energy
                    project applications.--
                                (i) In general.--For purposes of renewable
                            energy planning, the Secretary, consistent with
                            the requirements described in clause (ii),
                            shall--
                                        (I) update completed land use plans
                                    that, with respect to covered lands,
                                    have designated areas as eligible for
                                    the submission of renewable energy
                                    project applications; and
                                        (II) establish priority areas on
                                    covered land for renewable energy
                                    projects.
                                (ii) Requirements.--In carrying out
                            activities under clauses (i) and (ii) of
                            subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
                                        (I) after an opportunity for public
                                    comment, review the adequacy of public
                                    lands for renewable energy projects for
                                    the purposes of--
                                                (aa) encouraging and
                                            facilitating new renewable
                                            energy projects; and
                                                (bb) ensuring consistency
                                            with a mitigation sequence of
                                            avoiding, minimizing, and
                                            compensating for adverse
                                            impacts to other public uses
                                            and values of covered land,
                                            including--

                                                        (AA) wildlife
                                                    habitat;

                                                        (BB) species listed
                                                    as threatened or
                                                    endangered under the
                                                    Endangered Species Act
                                                    of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531
                                                    et seq.);

                                                        (CC) water
                                                    resources;

                                                        (DD) cultural
                                                    resources;

                                                        (EE) recreational
                                                    uses;

                                                        (FF) land with
                                                    wilderness
                                                    characteristics;

                                                        (GG) land with
                                                    special management
                                                    designations; and

                                                        (HH) areas of
                                                    Tribal importance; and

                                        (II) comply with--
                                                (aa) the principles of
                                            multiple use (as defined in
                                            section 103 of the Federal Land
                                            Policy and Management Act of
                                            1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)); and
                                                (bb) the national goals for
                                            renewable energy production
                                            established under section 3104
                                            of the Energy Act of 2020 (43
                                            U.S.C. 3004), including the
                                            minimum production goal
                                            described in subsection (b) of
                                            that section.
                        (B) Priority for certain applications.--In
                    considering applications for renewable energy projects
                    on covered land, with respect to an application for a
                    proposed renewable energy project on covered land that
                    is to be carried out in a priority area, the Secretary
                    shall--
                                (i) prioritize the application to be
                            carried out in any identified priority area;
                            and
                                (ii) on approval of the application,
                            provide to the applicant who submitted the
                            application the opportunity to participate in
                            any regional mitigation plan developed for the
                            applicable priority area.
                        (C) Programmatic planning.--
                                (i) Solar energy.--As soon as practicable,
                            but not later than 18 months after the Record
                            of Decision entitled ``Approved Record of
                            Decision and Amendments/Record of Decision for
                            Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development'' dated
                            December 2024 was issued, the Secretary shall
                            consider establishing priority areas on covered
                            land for Solar energy projects in the planning
                            area (as defined in the Record of Decision).
                                (ii) Wind energy.--As soon as practicable,
                            but not later than 1 year after the date of
                            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
                            initiate a review of the final programmatic
                            Environment Impact Statement referenced in the
                            notice of availability entitled ``Notice of
                            Availability of the Final Programmatic
                            Environmental Impact Statement on Wind Energy
                            Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the
                            Western United States, Including Proposed
                            Amendments to Selected Land Use Plans'' (70
                            Fed. Reg. 36651 (June 24, 2005)), that
                            considers establishment of wind application and
                            priority areas on covered lands, and complete
                            that review within 3 years of issuing a notice
                            of intent.
                                (iii) Geothermal energy.--As soon as
                            practicable, the Secretary shall initiate and
                            complete a review or update of existing
                            programmatic analyses for geothermal energy
                            development on covered lands, identifying areas
                            suitable for leasing and development, and
                            aligning such analyses with current land use
                            plans and transmission planning efforts.
                                (iv) Electric transmission.--As soon as
                            practicable, the Secretary shall initiate and
                            complete a programmatic analysis for electric
                            transmission development on covered lands,
                            identifying priority and corridor areas that
                            support renewable energy buildout and grid
                            reliability, and coordinating with regional
                            transmission planning processes and existing
                            right-of-way designations.
                (2) Review and modification.--
                        (A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not less
                    frequently than once every 10 years, the Secretary
                    shall--
                                (i) after an opportunity for public
                            comment, review the adequacy of all land
                            allocations for renewable energy projects under
                            the requirements in clause (ii) of subparagraph
                            (A); and
                                (ii) based on the review carried out under
                            subparagraph (A), add, modify, or eliminate
                            priority areas, exclusion areas, and areas on
                            covered land open or closed to solar or wind
                            energy right-of-way applications or to
                            geothermal leasing.
                        (B) Limitation.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
                    any covered land that the Secretary determines, after
                    seeking public input, is subject to an existing land
                    use plan that meets the purposes described in paragraph
                    (1)(A).
                        (C) Report.--If the Secretary determines, in an
                    annual report required under subsection (g) of section
                    3102 of the Energy Act of 2020 (43 U.S.C. 3002) (as
                    redesignated by subsection (d)(1)(A)), that the
                    national goal for renewable energy production
                    established under subsection (a) of section 3104 of
                    that Act (43 U.S.C. 3004), including the minimum
                    production goal established under subsection (b) of
                    that section, may not be met, the Secretary shall act
                    more frequently than otherwise required by this
                    subsection to designate areas eligible for the
                    submission of renewable energy project applications and
                    establish additional priority areas for renewable
                    energy projects.
                (3) Compliance with the national environmental policy act
            of 1969.--For purposes of this section, compliance with the
            National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
            seq.) shall be accomplished--
                        (A) for geothermal energy--
                                (i) by updating the document entitled
                            ``Final Programmatic Environmental Impact
                            Statement for Geothermal Leasing in the Western
                            United States'' and dated October 2008; and
                                (ii) by incorporating into the updated
                            document under clause (i) any additional
                            regional analyses completed by Federal agencies
                            after the date on which the document described
                            in that subparagraph was finalized;
                        (B) for solar energy--
                                (i) by updating the document entitled
                            ``Approved Record of Decision and Amendments/
                            Record of Decision for Utility-Scale Solar
                            Energy Development'' and dated December 2024,
                            10 years after the publication of the document;
                            and
                                (ii) by incorporating into the updated
                            document under clause (i) any additional
                            regional analyses completed by Federal agencies
                            after the date on which the document described
                            in that subparagraph was finalized; and
                        (C) for wind energy--
                                (i) by updating the document entitled
                            ``Final Programmatic Environmental Impact
                            Statement on Wind Energy Development on BLM-
                            Administered Lands in the Western United
                            States'' and dated June 2005; and
                                (ii) by incorporating into the updated
                            document under clause (i) any additional
                            regional analyses completed by Federal agencies
                            after the date on which the document described
                            in that subparagraph was finalized.
                (4) No effect on processing site-specific applications.--
            Nothing in this section modifies any requirement to conduct
            site-specific environmental reviews or process permits for
            proposed renewable energy projects during preparation of an
            updated programmatic environmental impact statement, land use
            plan, or amendment to a land use plan.
                (5) Coordination.--In developing any update required under
            this section, the Secretary shall coordinate, on an ongoing
            basis, with appropriate State, Tribal, and local governments,
            transmission infrastructure owners, operators, and developers,
            renewable energy developers, and other appropriate entities to
            ensure that priority areas established by the Secretary under
            this section take into account--
                        (A) economic viability (including having access to
                    existing or planned transmission lines);
                        (B) consistency with a mitigation sequence to
                    avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts to--
                                (i) fish, wildlife, or plants;
                                (ii) fish, wildlife, or plant habitat;
                                (iii) recreational uses;
                                (iv) land with wilderness characteristics;
                                (v) land with special management
                            designations;
                                (vi) cultural resources;
                                (vii) areas of Tribal importance; and
                                (viii) other uses of covered land;
                        (C) feasibility of siting on previously disturbed
                    land, including commercial and industrial land, mine
                    land, and previously contaminated sites; and
                        (D) consistency with section 202 of the Federal
                    Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
                    1712), including subsection (c)(9) of that section (43
                    U.S.C. 1712(c)(9)).
                (6) Transmission.--In carrying out this section, the
            Secretary shall--
                        (A) determine whether adequate transmission exists
                    for renewable energy projects on covered land; and
                        (B) if a determination is made in the negative
                    under subparagraph (A), in coordination with the heads
                    of other relevant Federal agencies, review existing
                    land use plans to determine if amendments to those land
                    use plans would be appropriate to support adequate
                    transmission capability.
        (d) Improving Wind and Solar Energy Project Permitting.--
                (1) Role of renewable energy coordination offices.--Section
            3102 of the Energy Act of 2020 (43 U.S.C. 3002) is amended--
                        (A) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as
                    subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and
                        (B) by inserting after subsection (d) the
                    following:
        ``(e) Processing of Wind and Solar Energy Applications.--
                ``(1) Delegation to state renewable energy coordination
            offices.--
                        ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
                    provision of law, the Secretary may delegate to a State
                    Renewable Energy Coordination Office the authority to
                    process applications for eligible projects proposed to
                    be carried out on land managed by the Bureau of Land
                    Management in the applicable State.
                        ``(B) Roles and responsibilities of managers.--For
                    purposes of processing applications described in
                    subparagraph (A), the manager of the applicable State
                    Renewable Energy Coordination Office--
                                ``(i) shall have the authority to issue
                            grants or leases for eligible projects;
                                ``(ii) with the approval of the State
                            Director of the applicable Bureau of Land
                            Management State Office, may use other
                            employees in field and district offices of the
                            applicable Bureau of Land Management State
                            Office, or hire additional experts, to assist
                            with timely processing of applications, with
                            the costs of hiring additional experts to be
                            charged to applicants; and
                                ``(iii) shall report to the State Director
                            of the applicable Bureau of Land Management
                            State Office.
                ``(2) Prohibition of delegation to employees of field or
            district offices.--Except as provided in paragraph (1)(B)(ii),
            the Secretary may not delegate to employees of field or
            district offices of the Bureau of Land Management the authority
            to process applications for eligible projects proposed to be
            carried out on land managed by the Bureau of Land
            Management.''.
                (2) Cost recovery agreements.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
                    date on which an applicant submits a complete
                    application for a right-of-way for a wind or solar
                    energy project, including submission of the filing fee
                    required under section 2804.12 of title 43, Code of
                    Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), the
                    Secretary shall provide a cost recovery agreement with
                    respect to the application.
                        (B) Effect.--Issuance of a cost recovery agreement
                    under subparagraph (A) and payment of cost recovery
                    fees shall preclude any new claims to the use of the
                    applicable covered land during any period in which the
                    application is active.
                        (C) Conflicts; studies.--
                                (i) Conflicts.--To be considered complete
                            under subparagraph (A), an application
                            described in that paragraph shall address any
                            known conflicts with respect to the use of the
                            applicable covered land, as identified in
                            scientific literature or other studies.
                                (ii) Additional studies.--Additional
                            studies shall not be required for purposes of
                            considering an application to be complete under
                            subparagraph (A).
                (3) Environmental requirements.--
                        (A) Notice of intent.--
                                (i) In general.--Not later than 180 days
                            after the date on which the agency notifies the
                            applicant that the application to establish a
                            right-of-way is complete, or a later date to be
                            established by the Secretary under clause (ii),
                            if an environmental impact statement is
                            determined to be necessary, the Secretary shall
                            issue a notice of intent to prepare an
                            environmental impact statement with respect to
                            the application.
                                (ii) Extension.--The Secretary shall
                            establish a later date by which the notice
                            under clause (i) shall be issued, if the
                            Secretary determines that the 180-day period
                            under that paragraph should be extended due
                            to--
                                        (I) the application being
                                    considered a low priority under section
                                    2804.35 of title 43, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations (or a successor
                                    regulation);
                                        (II) project-specific
                                    circumstances, including the need for
                                    further studies, making the 180-day
                                    deadline insufficient; or
                                        (III) the application not meeting
                                    the requirements for approval.
                        (B) Categorical exclusion.--
                                (i) Preliminary work.--As the Secretary
                            determines to be appropriate, the Secretary may
                            promulgate regulations providing that
                            preliminary geotechnical work and
                            meteorological monitoring relating to renewable
                            energy projects shall be categorically excluded
                            from the requirements for an environmental
                            assessment or environmental impact statement
                            under section 1501.4 of title 40, Code of
                            Federal Regulations (or a successor
                            regulation).
                                (ii) Deadline.--For any energy projects
                            eligible for a categorical exclusion under
                            paragraph 1, the Secretary shall issue a
                            decision within 90 days of the submission of a
                            complete application.
                (4) Processing priority.--In processing applications
            described in paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary shall--
                        (A) give priority to applications for renewable
                    energy projects in priority areas; and
                        (B) process applications for renewable energy
                    projects in areas that are not priority areas in the
                    order in which the applications are received.
                (5) Use of competitive process.--
                        (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
                    Secretary shall not use a competitive process for the
                    review of an application described in paragraph (2)(A),
                    except--
                                (i) in a case in which 2 or more applicants
                            file an application for the same site (or
                            portions of the same site) not more than 15
                            days apart; or
                                (ii) as otherwise established by the
                            Secretary through a subsequent rulemaking
                            process delineating the instances in which the
                            Secretary will use the competitive process.
                        (B) Limitation.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
                    to applications for competitive right-of-way leases in
                    priority areas.
        (e) Increasing Economic Certainty.--
                (1) Rents and fees.--
                        (A) In general.--In determining rental rates and
                    other fees for renewable energy project leases or
                    right-of-way grants, the Secretary shall ensure that
                    the total rental rates and other fees charged do not
                    exceed the average amount charged for similar
                    activities on private land in the State or county in
                    which the rental rates and other fees are charged.
                        (B) Individual appraisals not required.--For
                    purposes of determining rental rates for renewable
                    energy projects, the Secretary--
                                (i) shall not be required to conduct
                            individual appraisals; and
                                (ii) may use average cash rents included in
                            the Pastureland Rents Survey prepared by the
                            National Agricultural Statistics Service, as
                            determined for the 5-year period ending on the
                            date on which the rental rate is determined.
                        (C) Increases in base rental rates.--After a base
                    rental rate is established for a lease or right-of-way
                    grant authorization for a renewable energy project, any
                    increase in the base rental rate shall be limited to
                    the Implicit Price Deflator-Gross Product Index
                    published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the
                    Department of Commerce on the date of issuance of the
                    lease or right-of way grant authorization.
                        (D) Capacity fees.--The Secretary may consider
                    charging a capacity fee for a renewable energy project
                    only if the Secretary determines that capacity fees are
                    charged within the region or State in which the
                    renewable energy project is carried out, as part of
                    leaseholds on State or private land.
                (2) Bonds.--The Secretary shall adopt a process for
            establishing bond requirements for decommissioning renewable
            energy projects that--
                        (A) do not establish a minimum per acre amount; and
                        (B) are based on the difference between--
                                (i) the estimated, site-specific net costs
                            of reclamation of the covered land; and
                                (ii) the salvage value of materials
                            available after decommissioning the renewable
                            energy project.
        (f) Disposition of Revenues; Renewable Energy Resource Conservation
    Fund.--
                (1) Disposition of revenues.--
                        (A) Availability.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (C), without further appropriation or
                    fiscal year limitation, of amounts collected from wind
                    and solar energy projects as bonus bids, rentals, fees,
                    or other payments under a right-of-way, permit, lease,
                    or other authorization--
                                (i) for the period beginning on January 1,
                            2027, and ending on December 31, 2046--
                                        (I) 25 percent shall be paid by the
                                    Secretary of the Treasury to the State
                                    within the boundaries of which the
                                    revenue is derived;
                                        (II) 25 percent shall be paid by
                                    the Secretary of the Treasury to the 1
                                    or more counties within the boundaries
                                    of which the revenue is derived, to be
                                    allocated among the counties based on
                                    the percentage of land from which the
                                    revenue is derived;
                                        (III) 15 percent shall be deposited
                                    in the Treasury and credited to the
                                    Bureau of Land Management's Renewable
                                    Energy Management account to be made
                                    available to the Secretary to carry out
                                    sections 3 and 4 (including amendments
                                    made by those sections), including the
                                    transfer of the funds by the Bureau of
                                    Land Management to other Federal
                                    agencies and State agencies to
                                    facilitate the processing of permits
                                    for renewable energy projects, with
                                    priority given to using the amounts, to
                                    the maximum extent practicable, without
                                    detrimental impacts to emerging
                                    markets, expediting the issuance of
                                    permits required for the development of
                                    wind and solar energy projects in the
                                    States from which the revenues are
                                    derived; and
                                        (IV) 35 percent shall be deposited
                                    in the Fund; and
                                (ii) beginning on January 1, 2047--
                                        (I) 25 percent shall be paid by the
                                    Secretary of the Treasury to the State
                                    within the boundaries of which the
                                    revenue is derived;
                                        (II) 25 percent shall be paid by
                                    the Secretary of the Treasury to the 1
                                    or more counties within the boundaries
                                    of which the revenue is derived, to be
                                    allocated among the counties based on
                                    the percentage of land from which the
                                    revenue is derived;
                                        (III) 10 percent shall be deposited
                                    in the Treasury and be made available
                                    to the Secretary to carry out sections
                                    3 and 4 (including amendments made by
                                    those sections), including the transfer
                                    of the funds by the Bureau of Land
                                    Management to other Federal agencies
                                    and State agencies to facilitate the
                                    processing of permits for wind and
                                    solar energy projects, with priority
                                    given to using the amounts, to the
                                    maximum extent practicable, without
                                    detrimental impacts to emerging
                                    markets, expediting the issuance of
                                    permits required for the development of
                                    renewable energy projects in the States
                                    from which the revenues are derived;
                                    and
                                        (IV) 40 percent shall be deposited
                                    in the Fund.
                        (B) Rule for projects located in multiple states.--
                    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
                    this Act, the Secretary shall issue a proposed rule
                    establishing a formula for the disposition of revenues
                    under clauses (i)(I) and (ii)(I) of subparagraph (A) in
                    a case in which a wind and solar energy project is
                    located in more than 1 State.
                        (C) Filing fees.--With respect to wind and solar
                    energy projects--
                                (i) subparagraph (A) does not apply to
                            amounts collected from application filing fees
                            authorized under section 304 of the Federal
                            Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
                            U.S.C. 1734); and
                                (ii) such application filing fees may be
                            retained by the applicable agency to recover
                            costs associated with issuing the right-of-way,
                            permit, or other authorization associated with
                            the application.
                (2) Payments to states and counties.--
                        (A) In general.--Amounts paid to States and
                    Counties under paragraph (1)(A) shall be used
                    consistent with section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act
                    (30 U.S.C. 191).
                        (B) Payments in lieu of taxes.--A payment to a
                    County under clause (i)(II) or (ii)(II) of paragraph
                    (1)(A) shall be in addition to a payment in lieu of
                    taxes received by the County under chapter 69 of title
                    31, United States Code.
                (3) Renewable energy resource conservation fund.--
                        (A) In general.--There is established in the
                    Treasury a fund, to be known as the ``Renewable Energy
                    Resource Conservation Fund'', which shall be
                    administered by the Secretary.
                        (B) Use of funds.--
                                (i) In general.--The Secretary may make
                            amounts in the Fund available to Federal,
                            State, local, and Tribal agencies for
                            distribution in regions in which renewable
                            energy projects are located on Federal land,
                            for the purposes described in clause (ii).
                                (ii) Purposes.--The purposes referred to in
                            clause (i) are--
                                        (I) restoring and protecting--
                                                (aa) fish and wildlife
                                            habitat for species affected by
                                            renewable energy projects;
                                                (bb) fish and wildlife
                                            corridors for species affected
                                            by renewable energy projects;
                                            and
                                                (cc) wetlands, streams,
                                            rivers, and other natural water
                                            bodies in areas affected by
                                            renewable energy projects; and
                                        (II) preserving and improving
                                    recreational access to Federal land and
                                    water in the applicable region through
                                    an easement, right-of-way, or other
                                    instrument from willing landowners for
                                    the purpose of enhancing public access
                                    to existing Federal land and water that
                                    is inaccessible or restricted due to
                                    renewable energy projects.
                        (C) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may
                    enter into cooperative agreements with State and Tribal
                    agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other
                    appropriate entities to carry out the activities
                    described in subparagraph (B).
                        (D) Investment of fund.--
                                (i) In general.--Any amounts deposited in
                            the Fund shall earn interest in an amount
                            determined by the Secretary of the Treasury on
                            the basis of the current average market yield
                            on outstanding marketable obligations of the
                            United States of comparable maturities.
                                (ii) Use.--Any interest earned under clause
                            (i) may be deposited into the Fund and used
                            without further appropriation.
                        (E) Report to congress.--At the end of each fiscal
                    year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
                    Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
                    Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
                    Representatives a report identifying--
                                (i) the amounts described in paragraph (1)
                            that were collected during that fiscal year,
                            organized by source;
                                (ii) the amount and purpose of payments
                            made to each Federal, State, local, and Tribal
                            agency under subparagraph (B) during that
                            fiscal year; and
                                (iii) the amount remaining in the Fund at
                            the end of the fiscal year.
                        (F) Intent of congress.--It is the intent of
                    Congress that the revenues deposited and expended from
                    the Fund shall supplement (and not supplant) annual
                    appropriations for activities described in subparagraph
                    (B).
        (g) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall include in its
    annual budget requests staffing, contracting and technological
    resources necessary to meet the permitting timelines required in this
    Act and in 42 U.S.C. 4336a.
        (h) Savings Clause.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
    Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to
    manage public land under the principles of multiple use and sustained
    yield in accordance with title I of the Federal Land Policy and
    Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) or the Forest and
    Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et
    seq.), as applicable, for the purposes of land use planning, permit
    processing, and conducting environmental reviews.

    SEC. 502. GEOTHERMAL COST RECOVERY.

        (a) Cost Recovery From Geothermal Leasing, Permitting, and
    Inspections.--Section 6 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C.
    1005) is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(j) Cost Recovery.--
                ``(1) In general.--During the period that begins on the
            date of enactment of this subsection and ends September 30,
            2033, the Secretary may require an applicant for, or a holder
            of, a geothermal lease to reimburse the United States for all
            reasonable administrative and other costs incurred by the
            United States from--
                        ``(A) processing the application for the geothermal
                    lease, including any application for an operations
                    plan, geothermal drilling permit, utilization plan,
                    site license, facility construction permit, commercial
                    use permit, and any other approval associated with a
                    geothermal lease; and
                        ``(B) inspecting and monitoring--
                                ``(i) geophysical exploration activities;
                                ``(ii) the drilling, plugging, and
                            abandonment of wells; and
                                ``(iii) the construction, operation,
                            termination, and reclamation of any well site
                            or facility for the utilization of geothermal
                            resources pursuant to the geothermal lease.
                ``(2) Considerations.--In determining whether to require
            reimbursement under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider
            whether there is in existence a cooperative cost share
            agreement between the United States and the holder of a
            geothermal lease.
                ``(3) Adjustments.--The Secretary may reduce the amount to
            be reimbursed under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines--
                        ``(A) that full reimbursement would impose an
                    economic hardship on the applicant; or
                        ``(B) that a less than full reimbursement is
                    necessary to promote the greatest use of geothermal
                    resources.
                ``(4) Use.--The amounts reimbursed under this subsection
            shall be credited to the currently applicable appropriation,
            account, or fund of the Department of the Interior as
            discretionary offsetting collections, and shall be available
            only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts
            for--
                        ``(A) processing the application for geothermal
                    leases, including any application for operations plans,
                    geothermal drilling permits, utilization plans, site
                    licenses, facility construction permits, commercial use
                    permits, and any other approval associated with
                    geothermal leases; and
                        ``(B) inspecting and monitoring--
                                ``(i) geophysical exploration activities;
                                ``(ii) the drilling, plugging, and
                            abandonment of wells; and
                                ``(iii) the construction, operation,
                            termination, and reclamation of any well site
                            or facility for the utilization of geothermal
                            resources pursuant to geothermal leases.''.
        (b) Report.--
                (1) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in
            consultation with the geothermal industry and other
            stakeholders, shall submit to the Committee on Natural
            Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
            Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and make publicly
            available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a
            report that includes--
                        (A) an assessment of how the amendments made by
                    subsection (b) of this Act affected the Bureau of Land
                    Management's geothermal program;
                        (B) any recommendations for reauthorization of
                    section 6(j) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as
                    added by this Act; and
                        (C) any other recommendations for updates to such
                    section and the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal
                    program.
                (2) Considerations.--In developing the report required in
            paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall solicit
            facts or information from the geothermal industry and other
            stakeholders.

    SEC. 503. GEOTHERMAL GOLD BOOK DEVELOPMENT.

        (a) Identification.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Department of the Interior, in
    consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, shall identify
    standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally
    responsible geothermal leasing and permitting.
        (b) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after identifying
    standard procedures and guidelines under subsection (a), the Department
    of the Interior shall publish a ``Gold Book'' containing such standard
    procedures and guidelines for use by the field offices of the Bureau of
    Land Management and geothermal operators.
        (c) Consultation.--Before publishing the Gold Book, the Department
    of the Interior shall consult with--
                (1) other relevant Federal agencies, including field
            offices of the Bureau of Land Management; and
                (2) outside stakeholders, including developers and other
            experts.
        (d) Inclusions.--The Gold Book shall include standard procedures
    and guidelines for--
                (1) land use planning and geothermal lease sales; and
                (2) ensuring the efficient review and approval of
            environmentally responsible geothermal development, including--
                        (A) exploration and geophysical operations;
                        (B) permitting lease operations;
                        (C) compliance with all applicable laws and
                    regulations;
                        (D) construction and maintenance;
                        (E) drilling and production operations;
                        (F) appeals; and
                        (G) relevant categorical exclusions available at
                    each stage.
        (e) Periodic Revision.--The Department of the Interior shall--
                (1) at least once every five years, review the Gold Book;
            and
                (2) as necessary, revise the Gold Book.

                   Subtitle B--Offshore Renewable Deployment

    SEC. 511. RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY.

        (a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
    Act (43 U.S.C. 1331) is amended--
                (1) in the second subsection (r), as added by section
            50251(b)(1)(A)(iv) of Public Law 117-169--
                        (A) by redesignating such subsection (r) as
                    subsection (t); and
                        (B) by inserting after the enumerator ``State.--'';
                    and
                (2) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(u) Offshore Renewable Energy Project.--The term `offshore
    renewable energy project' means a project to carry out an activity
    described in section 8(p)(1)(C) related to wind, solar, wave, or tidal
    energy.''.
        (b) National Policy for the Outer Continental Shelf.--Section 3 of
    the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1332) is amended--
                (1) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
                ``(3) the outer Continental Shelf is a vital national
            resource reserve held by the Federal Government for the public,
            which can be made available for orderly development, subject to
            environmental safeguards and coexistence with other ocean
            users, in a manner which includes--
                        ``(A) supporting the generation, transmission, and
                    storage of zero-emission electricity; and
                        ``(B) the maintenance of competition and other
                    national needs, including the need to achieve State and
                    Federal zero-emission electricity or renewable energy
                    mandates, targets, and goals;'';
                (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs
            (6) and (7), respectively; and
                (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
                ``(5) the identification and development of lease areas for
            offshore renewable energy projects should be determined by a
            robust and transparent stakeholder process that incorporates
            engagement and input from a diverse group of ocean users and
            other impacted stakeholders, and Federal, State, Tribal, and
            local governments;''.
        (c) Leases, Easements, and Rights-of-Way on the Outer Continental
    Shelf.--Section 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43
    U.S.C. 1337(p)) is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (2)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (B)--
                                (i) by striking ``27'' and inserting
                            ``17'';
                                (ii) by striking ``three'' and inserting
                            ``100''; and
                                (iii) by striking ``15'' and inserting
                            ``100''; and
                        (B) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(C) Payments for conservation and mitigation
            activities.--
                        ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding section 9, the
                    Secretary shall, without appropriation or fiscal year
                    limitation, use 10 percent of the revenue received by
                    the Federal Government from royalties, fees, rents,
                    bonuses, and other payments from any lease, easement,
                    or right-of-way granted under this subsection to
                    provide grants to--
                                ``(I) State, local, and Tribal governments,
                            and regional partnerships thereof, including
                            Regional Ocean Partnerships, Regional Wildlife
                            Science Collaboratives, and other similar
                            organizations; and
                                ``(II) nonprofit organizations.
                        ``(ii) Use of grants.--Grants provided under clause
                    (i) shall be used for carrying out activities related
                    to marine and coastal habitat protection and
                    restoration, mitigation of damage to natural resources
                    and marine life that results from activities authorized
                    by this subsection, relevant research and data sharing
                    initiatives, or increasing the organizational capacity
                    of an entity described in subclause (I) or (II) of
                    clause (i) to increase the effectiveness of entities
                    that carry out such activities.
                ``(D) Offshore renewable energy compensation fund.--
            Notwithstanding section 9, the Secretary shall, without
            appropriation or fiscal year limitation, deposit 10 percent of
            the revenue received by the Federal Government from royalties,
            fees, rents, bonuses, and other payments from any lease,
            easement, or right-of-way granted under this subsection into
            the Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund established
            under section 34.'';
                (2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
                ``(3) Leasing.--
                        ``(A) Competitive or noncompetitive basis.--The
                    Secretary shall issue a lease, easement, or right-of-
                    way under paragraph (1) on a competitive basis unless
                    the Secretary determines after public notice of a
                    proposed lease, easement, or right-of-way that there is
                    no competitive interest.
                        ``(B) Schedule of offshore renewable energy lease
                    sales.--The Secretary shall, after providing an
                    opportunity for public notice and comment, publish and
                    periodically update a schedule not less frequently than
                    every 5 years of areas that may be available for
                    leasing in the future for offshore renewable energy
                    projects, indicating, to the extent possible, the
                    timing of site identification activities, the timing of
                    designation of any area to be leased, the anticipated
                    size of such areas, the timing of lease sales, and the
                    location of leasing activities.
                        ``(C) Multi-factor bidding.--
                                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may
                            consider non-monetary factors when
                            competitively awarding leases under paragraph
                            (1), which may include commitments made by the
                            bidder to--
                                        ``(I) support educational,
                                    training, and skills development,
                                    including supporting or increasing
                                    access to registered apprenticeship
                                    programs and pre-apprenticeship
                                    programs that have an articulation
                                    agreement with a registered
                                    apprenticeships program for offshore
                                    renewable energy projects;
                                        ``(II) support development of
                                    domestic supply chains for offshore
                                    renewable energy projects, including
                                    development of ports and other energy
                                    infrastructure necessary to facilitate
                                    offshore renewable energy projects;
                                        ``(III) establish a community
                                    benefit agreement with 1 or more
                                    community or stakeholder groups that
                                    may be impacted by the development and
                                    operation of an offshore renewable
                                    energy project, which may include
                                    covered entities;
                                        ``(IV) make investments to
                                    evaluate, monitor, improve, and
                                    mitigate impacts to the health and
                                    biodiversity of ecosystems and wildlife
                                    from the development and operation of
                                    an offshore renewable energy project;
                                        ``(V) support the development and
                                    use of shared transmission
                                    infrastructure connecting to offshore
                                    renewable energy projects; and
                                        ``(VI) make other investments
                                    determined appropriate by the
                                    Secretary.
                                ``(ii) Contractual commitments.--When
                            considering non-monetary factors under this
                            subparagraph, the Secretary may--
                                        ``(I) evaluate the quality of
                                    commitments made by the bidder; and
                                        ``(II) reward finalized binding
                                    agreements above assurances for future
                                    commitments.
                                ``(iii) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
                                        ``(I) Covered entity.--The term
                                    `covered entity' has the meaning given
                                    such term in section 34(k).
                                        ``(II) Registered apprenticeship
                                    program.--The term `registered
                                    apprenticeship program' means an
                                    apprenticeship program registered under
                                    the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly
                                    known as the National Apprenticeship
                                    Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
                                    U.S.C. 50 et seq.).'';
                (3) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
                ``(4) Requirements.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that
                    any activity under this subsection is carried out in a
                    manner that provides for--
                                ``(i) safety;
                                ``(ii) protection of the environment, which
                            includes facilitation of the generation,
                            transmission, and storage of zero-emission
                            electricity;
                                ``(iii) prevention of waste;
                                ``(iv) conservation of the natural
                            resources of the outer Continental Shelf;
                                ``(v) coordination with relevant Federal
                            agencies and State, Tribal, and local
                            governments;
                                ``(vi) protection of national security
                            interests of the United States;
                                ``(vii) protection of correlative rights in
                            the outer Continental Shelf;
                                ``(viii) a fair return to the United States
                            for any lease, easement, or right-of-way under
                            this subsection;
                                ``(ix) reasonable uses (as determined by
                            the Secretary) of the exclusive economic zone,
                            the high seas, and the territorial seas;
                                ``(x) consideration of--
                                        ``(I) the location of, and any
                                    schedule relating to, a lease,
                                    easement, or right-of-way for an area
                                    of the outer Continental Shelf; and
                                        ``(II) any other use of the sea or
                                    seabed, including use for a fishery, a
                                    sealane, a potential site of a
                                    deepwater port, or navigation;
                                ``(xi) public notice and comment on any
                            proposal submitted for a lease, easement, or
                            right-of-way under this subsection;
                                ``(xii) oversight, inspection, research,
                            monitoring, and enforcement relating to a
                            lease, easement, or right-of-way under this
                            subsection; and
                                ``(xiii) satisfaction of any applicable
                            State and Federal renewable and clean energy
                            mandates, targets, and goals.
                        ``(B) Project labor agreements.--
                                ``(i) In general.--Beginning not later than
                            January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall require,
                            as a term or condition of each lease, right-of-
                            way, and easement, as applicable, for an
                            offshore renewable energy project that the
                            holder of the lease, right-of-way, or easement,
                            (and any successor or assignee) and its agents,
                            contractors, and subcontractors engaged in the
                            construction of any facilities for such
                            offshore renewable energy project agree, for
                            purposes of such construction, to negotiate and
                            become a party to a project labor agreement
                            with 1 or more labor organizations. A project
                            labor agreement shall bind all contractors and
                            subcontractors on the project through the
                            inclusion of appropriate specifications in all
                            relevant solicitation provisions and contract
                            documents. The Secretary shall not approve a
                            construction and operations plan with respect
                            to any offshore renewable energy project until
                            being assured by the lessee that such project
                            labor agreement will be maintained for the
                            duration of the project.
                                ``(ii) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
                                        ``(I) Construction.--The term
                                    `construction' includes reconstruction,
                                    rehabilitation, modernization,
                                    alteration, conversion, extension,
                                    repair, or improvement of any facility,
                                    structure, or other real property
                                    (including any onshore facilities) for
                                    an offshore renewable energy project.
                                        ``(II) Labor organization.--The
                                    term `labor organization' means a labor
                                    organization as defined in section 2(5)
                                    of the National Labor Relations Act (29
                                    U.S.C. 152(5))--
                                                ``(aa) of which building
                                            and construction employees are
                                            members; and
                                                ``(bb) that directly, or
                                            through its affiliates,
                                            sponsors a registered
                                            apprenticeship program.
                                        ``(III) Project labor agreement.--
                                    The term `project labor agreement'
                                    means a pre-hire collective bargaining
                                    agreement with 1 or more labor
                                    organizations that establishes the
                                    terms and conditions of employment for
                                    a specific construction project and is
                                    an agreement described in section 8(e)
                                    and (f) of the National Labor Relations
                                    Act (29 U.S.C. 158(f)).
                                        ``(IV) Registered apprenticeship
                                    program.--The term `registered
                                    apprenticeship program' means an
                                    apprenticeship program registered under
                                    the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly
                                    known as the National Apprenticeship
                                    Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
                                    U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
                        ``(C) Domestic content.--
                                ``(i) In general.--With respect to the
                            construction of facilities for an offshore
                            renewable energy project that begins after
                            January 1, 2033, the Secretary shall require
                            that--
                                        ``(I) all structural iron and steel
                                    products that are (upon completion of
                                    construction) components of such
                                    facilities for an offshore renewable
                                    energy project shall be produced in the
                                    United States; and
                                        ``(II) not less than 80 percent of
                                    the total costs of all manufactured
                                    products that are (upon completion of
                                    construction) components of such
                                    facilities shall be attributable to
                                    manufactured products which are mined,
                                    produced, or manufactured in the United
                                    States.
                                ``(ii) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
                            requirements of clause (i) in any case or
                            category of cases in which the Secretary finds
                            that--
                                        ``(I) applying clause (i) would be
                                    inconsistent with the public interest;
                                        ``(II) such products are not
                                    produced in the United States in
                                    sufficient and reasonably available
                                    quantities and of a satisfactory
                                    quality; or
                                        ``(III) the use of such products
                                    will increase the cost of the overall
                                    project by more than 25 percent.
                                ``(iii) Public notification.--If the
                            Secretary receives a request for a waiver under
                            this subparagraph, the Secretary shall make
                            available to the public a copy of the request
                            and information available to the Secretary
                            concerning the request, and shall allow for
                            informal public input on the request for at
                            least 15 business days prior to making a
                            finding based on the request. The Secretary
                            shall make the request and accompanying
                            information available to the public by
                            electronic means, including on the official
                            public Internet site of the Department of the
                            Interior.
                                ``(iv) International agreements.--This
                            paragraph shall be applied in a manner
                            consistent with United States obligations under
                            international agreements.'';
                (4) by amending paragraph (7) to read as follows:
                ``(7) Coordination and consultation.--The Secretary shall
            provide for coordination and consultation with--
                        ``(A) the Governor of any State or the executive of
                    any local government that may be affected by a lease,
                    easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and
                        ``(B) Indian Tribes (following the procedures of
                    the President's Memorandum of Uniform Standards for
                    Tribal Consultation, issued on November 30, 2022 (87
                    Fed. Reg. 74479), or any subsequent order) before
                    undertaking any activities under this subsection that
                    may have a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact on--
                                ``(i) the land, including allotted, ceded,
                            or traditional land, or interests in such land
                            of an Indian Tribe or member of an Indian
                            Tribe;
                                ``(ii) Tribal land, cultural practices,
                            resources, or access to traditional areas of
                            cultural or religious importance;
                                ``(iii) any part of any Federal land that
                            shares a border with Indian country, as such
                            term is defined in section 1151 of title 18,
                            United States Code;
                                ``(iv) the protected rights of an Indian
                            Tribe, whether or not such rights are
                            enumerated in a treaty, including water,
                            hunting, gathering, and fishing rights;
                                ``(v) the ability of an Indian Tribe to
                            govern or provide services to members of the
                            Indian Tribe;
                                ``(vi) the relationship between the Federal
                            Government and an Indian Tribe; or
                                ``(vii) the trust responsibility of the
                            Federal Government to an Indian Tribe.'';
                (5) by amending paragraph (10) to read as follows:
                ``(10) Applicability.--
                        ``(A) In general.--This subsection does not apply
                    to any area on the outer Continental Shelf within the
                    exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park
                    System, National Wildlife Refuge System, or National
                    Marine Sanctuary System, or any National Monument.
                        ``(B) Certain transmission infrastructure.--
                                ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
                            subparagraph (A), if otherwise authorized
                            pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act
                            (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), the Secretary may
                            issue a lease, easement, or right-of-way to
                            enable the transmission of electricity
                            generated by an offshore renewable energy
                            project.
                                ``(ii) Terms and conditions.--In issuing a
                            lease, easement, or right-of-way under clause
                            (i), the Secretary may approve and regulate the
                            construction and operation of such transmission
                            facilities (including electrical substations
                            and other related infrastructure) for the
                            transmission of electricity generated by such
                            projects in a manner that minimizes
                            environmental impacts.
                                ``(iii) Coordination.--In regulating the
                            construction and operation of transmission
                            facilities and related infrastructure under
                            clause (ii), the Secretary shall coordinate
                            with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure the
                            duration of any necessary authorizations of
                            such facilities under the National Marine
                            Sanctuaries Act aligns with the duration of the
                            relevant leases, easements, or rights-of-way
                            issued under clause (i).''; and
                (6) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(11) Planning area impact studies.--
                        ``(A) In general.--Beginning three years after the
                    date of enactment of this paragraph, before holding any
                    lease sale pursuant to paragraph (1) for an area, the
                    Secretary shall conduct a study of such area, or the
                    wider planning area that includes such area, in order
                    to establish information needed for assessment and
                    management of the environmental impacts on the human,
                    marine, and coastal environments of the outer
                    Continental Shelf and the coastal areas which may be
                    affected by offshore renewable energy projects in such
                    area or planning area.
                        ``(B) Inclusions.--A study conducted under
                    subparagraph (A) shall--
                                ``(i) incorporate the best available
                            existing science and data;
                                ``(ii) identify areas for which there is
                            insufficient science and data; and
                                ``(iii) include consideration of the
                            cumulative impacts (including potential
                            navigational impacts) of offshore renewable
                            energy projects on human, marine, and coastal
                            environments.
                        ``(C) Use of data and assessments.--The Secretary
                    shall use the data and assessments included in studies
                    conducted under this paragraph, as appropriate, when
                    deciding--
                                ``(i) which portions of an area or region
                            are most appropriate to make available for
                            leasing; and
                                ``(ii) whether to issue any permit or other
                            authorization that is necessary to carry out an
                            offshore renewable energy project.
                        ``(D) NEPA applicability.--The Secretary shall not
                    consider a study conducted under subparagraph (A) to be
                    a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the
                    National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
                    4332(2)(C)).
                ``(12) Capacity building and community engagement.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation
                    with the Secretary of Commerce, may award grants to
                    entities to build organizational capacity and enhance
                    engagement opportunities related to offshore renewable
                    energy project development, including environmental
                    reviews and permitting activities of such projects.
                        ``(B) Purposes.--Grants awarded under subparagraph
                    (A) shall be used by entities to--
                                ``(i) enable States, Indian Tribes,
                            affected ocean users, and nonprofit
                            associations that represent affected ocean
                            users to compile data, conduct analyses,
                            educate stakeholders, and complete other
                            activities relating to offshore renewable
                            energy project development;
                                ``(ii) engage in planning activities and in
                            the development of offshore wind projects for
                            the purposes of--
                                        ``(I) determining potential
                                    economic, social, public health, and
                                    environmental benefits and impacts; and
                                        ``(II) identifying opportunities to
                                    mitigate such impacts;
                                ``(iii) facilitate siting of offshore
                            renewable energy projects and associated
                            electric transmission infrastructure; and
                                ``(iv) hire and train personnel, and other
                            activities designed to increase the capacity of
                            States, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit
                            associations, as applicable, to carry out
                            activities described in clauses (i) through
                            (iii).
                        ``(C) Prioritization.--When awarding grants under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize
                    awarding grants that will be used to build
                    organizational capacity and enhance community
                    engagement opportunities of Indian Tribes.
                        ``(D) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
                    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
                    out this paragraph $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2026 through 2030.''.
        (d) Reservations.--Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf
    Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1341(a)) is amended to read as follows--
        ``(a) Withdrawal of Unleased Lands by the President.--
                ``(1) In general.--The President of the United States may,
            from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the
            unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf.
                ``(2) Reversal for certain offshore renewable energy
            projects.--With respect to a withdrawal under paragraph (1) of
            unleased lands from disposition, the President may reverse such
            a withdrawal only to allow for leasing under section
            (8)(p)(1)(C) and only if the President determines that
            environmental, national security, or national or regional
            energy conditions or demands have changed such that a reversal
            would be in the public interest.''.
        (e) Citizen Suits, Court Jurisdiction, and Judicial Review.--
    Section 23(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.
    1349(c)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
        ``(2) Any action of the Secretary to approve, require modification
    of, or disapprove any exploration plan or development and production
    plan under this Act, or any plan, final lease, easement, or right-of-
    way granted pursuant to section (8)(p)(1) (and any related final
    Federal agency actions), shall be subject to judicial review only in a
    United States court of appeals for a circuit in which an affected State
    is located.''.
        (f) Report on Decommissioning of Offshore Renewable Energy
    Projects.--Not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this
    Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Congress, and make
    publicly available, a report evaluating decommissioning options for
    offshore renewable energy projects (and associated electric
    transmission infrastructure), including an assessment of the potential
    for the holder of a lease, easement, or right-of-way to keep facilities
    in place or otherwise convert such facilities to artificial reefs to
    support marine habitats, provided that such facilities will not
    adversely impact navigation, national security, the marine environment,
    Tribal uses, or other competing uses of the outer Continental Shelf.
        (g) Updating Regulations.--Not later than 270 days after the date
    of enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall issue
    any necessary regulations to carry out this section and the amendments
    made by this section.

    SEC. 512. COMPENSATION FOR OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS.

        The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 34. OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPENSATION FUND.

        ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the
    United States the Offshore Renewable Energy Compensation Fund, which
    shall be used by the Secretary, or a third-party the Secretary enters
    into a contract with, to provide to covered entities--
                ``(1) payments for claims--
                        ``(A) described under subsection (f)(1); and
                        ``(B) verified pursuant to subsection (d)(1); and
                ``(2) grants to carry out mitigation activities described
            in subsection (f)(2).
        ``(b) Availability of Fund.--The Fund shall be available to the
    Secretary without fiscal year limitations for the purpose of providing
    payments and grants under subsection (a).
        ``(c) Accounts.--The Fund shall--
                ``(1) consist of the royalties, fees, rents, bonuses, and
            other payments deposited under section 8(p)(2)(D); and
                ``(2) be divided into separate area accounts from which
            payments and grants shall be provided based on the area in
            which damages occur.
        ``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a
    process to--
                ``(1) file, process, and verify claims for purposes of
            providing payments under subsection (a)(1); and
                ``(2) apply for a grant provided under subsection (a)(2).
        ``(e) Payment Amount.--Payments provided under subsection (a)(1)
    shall--
                ``(1) be based on the scope of the verified claim;
                ``(2) be fair and provided efficiently and in a transparent
            manner; and
                ``(3) if the covered entity receiving the payment has or
            will receive direct compensation for the verified claim
            pursuant to a community benefit agreement or other agreement
            between such covered entity and a holder of a lease, easement,
            or right-of-way, be reduced by an amount that is equal to the
            amount of such direct compensation.
        ``(f) Claims; Mitigation Grants.--
                ``(1) Claims.--A payment may be provided under subsection
            (a)(1) for a verified claim to--
                        ``(A) replace or repair gear that was lost or
                    damaged by the development, construction, operation, or
                    decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy
                    project; or
                        ``(B) replace income that was lost from the
                    development, construction, operation, or
                    decommissioning of an offshore renewable energy
                    project.
                ``(2) Mitigation grants.--If the Secretary determines that
            there are sufficient amounts in an area account of the Fund to
            provide payments for all verified claims at any given time, the
            Secretary may use amounts in the Fund to provide grants to
            covered entities, and other entities determined appropriate by
            the Secretary, to mitigate the potential effects of
            development, construction, operation, and decommissioning of an
            offshore renewable energy project, including by paying for gear
            changes, navigation technology improvements, and other measures
            to enhance the safety and resiliency of the covered entities
            near an offshore renewable energy project.
        ``(g) Advisory Group.--
                ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and
            regularly convene an advisory group that shall provide
            recommendations on the development and administration of this
            section.
                ``(2) Membership.--The advisory group shall--
                        ``(A) be comprised of individuals--
                                ``(i) appointed by the Secretary; and
                                ``(ii) representing the geographic
                            diversity of areas impacted by the development,
                            construction, operation, or decommissioning of
                            offshore renewable energy projects; and
                        ``(B) include representatives from--
                                ``(i) recreational fishing interests;
                                ``(ii) commercial fishing interests;
                                ``(iii) Tribal fishing interests;
                                ``(iv) the National Marine Fisheries
                            Services;
                                ``(v) the fisheries science community; and
                                ``(vi) other fields of expertise necessary
                            to effectively develop and administer this
                            section, as determined by the Secretary.
                ``(3) Travel expenses.--The Secretary may provide amounts
            to any member of the advisory group to pay for travel expenses,
            including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized
            for an employee of an agency under section 5703 of title 5,
            United States Code, while away from the home or regular place
            of business of the member in the performance of the duties of
            the advisory group.
        ``(h) Insufficient Funds.--
                ``(1) In general.--If the Secretary determines that an area
            account does not contain a sufficient amount to provide
            payments under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may, not more
            than once each calendar year, require any holder of an offshore
            renewable energy lease located within the area covered by the
            area account to pay an amount specified by the Secretary, which
            shall be deposited into such area account.
                ``(2) Amount.--No holder of an offshore renewable energy
            lease shall be required to pay an amount under paragraph (1) in
            excess of $3 per acre of the leased land described in paragraph
            (1).
        ``(i) Administrative Expenses.--The Secretary may use up to 15
    percent of the amount deposited into the Fund under section 8(p)(2)(D)
    during a given fiscal year for administrative expenses to carry out
    this section.
        ``(j) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress, and
    make publicly available, an annual report on activities carried out
    under this section, including a description of claims filed and the
    amount of payments and grants provided.
        ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
                ``(1) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means--
                        ``(A) a community, stakeholder, or Tribal
                    interest--
                                ``(i) that uses a geographic space of a
                            lease area, or uses resources harvested from a
                            geographic space of a lease area; and
                                ``(ii) for which such use is directly and
                            adversely impacted by the development,
                            construction, operation, or decommissioning of
                            an offshore renewable energy project located in
                            such leased area; or
                        ``(B) a regional association, cooperative, non-
                    profit organization, commission, or corporation that--
                                ``(i) serves a community, stakeholder, or
                            Tribal interest described in subparagraph (A);
                            and
                                ``(ii) acts on behalf of such a community,
                            stakeholder, or Tribal interest for purposes of
                            this section, including by submitting a claim
                            for a covered entity.
                ``(2) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Offshore Renewable
            Energy Compensation Fund established under subsection (a).
                ``(3) Lease area.--The term `lease area' means an area
            covered by an offshore renewable energy lease.
                ``(4) Offshore renewable energy lease.--The term `offshore
            renewable energy lease' means a lease, easement, or right-of-
            way granted under section 8(p)(1)(C).''.

    SEC. 513. INTEROPERABILITY OF OFFSHORE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION
                  INFRASTRUCTURE.

        (a) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall complete and publish on the
    website of the Department of Energy a study that assesses the need to,
    and challenges of, developing and standardizing interoperable electric
    grid components, systems, and technologies in support of shared
    offshore transmission networks. Such study shall include
    recommendations for Congress, State, Tribal, and local governments,
    manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, and technologies,
    Transmission Organizations, offshore electricity generation project
    developers, and appropriate standards organizations to help ensure
    interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies
    between offshore electricity generation projects and shared offshore
    infrastructure connecting to onshore transmission systems.
        (b) Interoperability Standard Development Program.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish
            and implement a program to identify, develop, support,
            document, and encourage the adoption of standards necessary to
            maximize the interoperability of electric grid components,
            systems, and technologies to accelerate the implementation and
            delivery of electricity generated by offshore electricity
            generation projects through shared electricity transmission
            infrastructure.
                (2) Goals.--The goals of establishing and implementing the
            program under paragraph (1) shall be--
                        (A) to harmonize and standardize functional
                    specifications of electric grid components, systems,
                    and technologies to maximize the interoperability of
                    electric grid components, systems, and technologies
                    across types and manufacturers;
                        (B) to hasten adoption of shared electric
                    transmission infrastructure, including interregional
                    transmission infrastructure, for offshore electricity
                    generation by encouraging cooperation among
                    manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, or
                    technologies in order to--
                                (i) maximize interoperability of such
                            manufacturers' electric grid components,
                            systems, or technologies;
                                (ii) reduce offshore electricity generation
                            project delays and cost overruns;
                                (iii) manage power grid complexity; and
                                (iv) enhance electric grid resilience,
                            reliability, and cybersecurity; and
                        (C) to identify common technical specifications to
                    effectively and securely measure, monitor, control, and
                    protect offshore electricity generation and electric
                    transmission infrastructure from the point of
                    generation to load centers.
                (3) Financial assistance.--Under the program established
            and implemented under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide
            grants to--
                        (A) engage equipment manufacturers and industry
                    stakeholders in collaborative platforms, including
                    workshops and forums;
                        (B) identify current challenges and propose
                    solutions to improve interoperability of electric grid
                    components, systems, and technologies;
                        (C) develop a set of voluntary industry standards
                    to maximize interoperability of electric grid
                    components, systems, and technologies that meet the
                    goals described in paragraph (2); and
                        (D) promote data sharing alignment with the
                    Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and
                    Atmospheric Administration, and the Bureau of Ocean
                    Energy Management to integrate oceanographic, wildlife,
                    and grid planning data relevant to offshore
                    transmission corridors.
        (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out this section
    $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
        (d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Transmission
    Organization'' has the meaning given such term in section 3(29) of the
    Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).

            TITLE VI--PROTECTING CONSUMERS IN ELECTRICITY REGULATION

    SEC. 601. UTILITY EARNINGS TIED TO RATEPAYER BENEFITS.

        (a) Amendments to the Federal Power Act.--
                (1) In general.--Section 219 of the Federal Power Act (16
            U.S.C. 824s) is amended--
                        (A) in subsection (a)--
                                (i) by striking ``Not later than 1 year
                            after the date of enactment of this section,
                            the Commission shall establish, by rule,'' and
                            inserting ``The Commission shall issue such
                            rules as may be necessary to establish''; and
                                (ii) by inserting ``, improving
                            efficiency,'' after ``ensuring reliability'';
                        (B) in subsection (b)--
                                (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
                            by striking ``The rule shall'' and inserting
                            ``The rules issued under this section shall'';
                                (ii) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, and
                            operational improvements for,'' after ``capital
                            investment in'';
                                (iii) in paragraph (2)--
                                        (I) by inserting ``or other
                                    incentive mechanism'' after ``return on
                                    equity''; and
                                        (II) by inserting ``or incentivizes
                                    improvements that increase the
                                    efficiency of the transmission of
                                    electric energy and reduce costs for
                                    consumers'' after ``(including related
                                    transmission technologies)'';
                                (iv) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``,
                            including performance-based measures,'' after
                            ``other measures''; and
                                (v) in paragraph (4)--
                                        (I) in subparagraph (A), by
                                    striking ``; and'' and inserting a
                                    semicolon;
                                        (II) in subparagraph (B), by
                                    striking the period and inserting ``;
                                    and''; and
                                        (III) by adding at the end the
                                    following new subparagraph:
                        ``(C) amounts determined pursuant to shared savings
                    frameworks or other incentive mechanisms prescribed in
                    such rules.''; and
                        (C) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
        ``(c) Transmission Organization-Based Incentives.--
                ``(1) Transmission organization membership.--In a rule
            issued under this section, the Commission shall, to the extent
            within its jurisdiction, provide for incentives to each
            transmitting utility or electric utility that joins a
            Transmission Organization.
                ``(2) Initial membership incentive.--In carrying out
            paragraph (1), the Commission shall provide for an electric
            utility to yield a return on equity incentive--
                        ``(A) of not more than 50 basis points for the 3-
                    year period beginning on the date on which the electric
                    utility joins a Transmission Organization; and
                        ``(B) the transfer of a transmitting utility from 1
                    transmission organization to another shall not trigger
                    a new period under subparagraph (A).
                ``(3) Regional and interregional facility incentive.--After
            the expiration of the period under paragraph (2)(A), the
            Commission may provide a return on equity incentive of not more
            than 75 basis points with respect to transmission facilities of
            such utility that--
                        ``(A) provide demonstrable benefits to customers on
                    a regional or interregional basis, as determined by the
                    Commission; and
                        ``(B) are selected in a transmission planning
                    process conducted by a Transmission Organization or by
                    2 or more such organizations on an interregional basis.
                ``(4) Incentives for non-members.--In the case of an
            electric utility that is not a member of a Transmission
            Organization, the Commission may provide an additional return
            on equity incentive of not more than 25 basis points with
            respect to transmission facilities that satisfy the criteria
            set forth in paragraph (3).
                ``(5) Guardrails.--In determining whether, and at what
            level, to provide incentives under this subsection, the
            Commission may consider--
                        ``(A) measurable customer benefits, including
                    reliability, resilience, and congestion cost
                    reductions;
                        ``(B) cost discipline, including consistency with
                    least-cost planning and mitigation of excessive capital
                    bias; and
                        ``(C) the persistence and magnitude of expected
                    benefits.
                ``(6) Duration and review.--The Commission may establish
            time limits for incentives under this subsection and shall
            provide for periodic review and adjustment or termination of
            such incentives if the underlying bases for the incentives no
            longer exist.
                ``(7) Method of cost recovery.--The Commission shall ensure
            that any costs recoverable pursuant to this subsection may be
            recovered by such utility through the transmission rates
            charged by such utility or through the transmission rates
            charged by the Transmission Organization that provides
            transmission service to such utility.''.
                (2) Rulemakings.--
                        (A) Deadline.--Not later than 1 year after the date
                    of the enactment of this section, the Commission shall
                    revise the rule issued under section 219 of the Federal
                    Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824s) to implement the amendment
                    made by paragraph (1)(C).
                        (B) Considerations.--In revising the rule specified
                    in paragraph (1)(C) with respect to the implementation
                    of the return on equity incentive under section 219(c)
                    of the Federal Power Act, as amended by such paragraph,
                    the Commission shall take into consideration the
                    following:
                                (i) The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
                            titled ``Electric Transmission Incentives
                            Policy Under Section 219 of the Federal Power
                            Act'', published in the Federal Register on
                            April 2, 2020 (85 Fed. Reg. 18784).
                                (ii) The Supplemental Notice of Proposed
                            Rulemaking titled ``Electric Transmission
                            Incentives Policy Under Section 219 of the
                            Federal Power Act'', published in the Federal
                            Register on April 26, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg.
                            21972).
        (b) Rulemaking on Shared Savings Framework for Transmitting
    Utilities Subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
    Jurisdiction.--
                (1) Rule required.--Not later than one year after the date
            of the enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue a
            final rule under section 219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (16
            U.S.C. 824s(b)(3)), as amended by subsection (a), that
            establishes a framework under which a covered transmitting
            utility may recover a portion of verified cost savings
            attributable to a qualifying action of such transmitting
            utility as an incentive (in this subsection referred to as the
            ``shared savings framework'').
                (2) Methodologies.--The Commission shall develop and
            include in the rule under paragraph (1) standardized
            methodologies, applicable across similarly situated
            transmission segments, as follows:
                        (A) Baseline performance methodologies.--
                    Methodologies, developed in consultation with the
                    Secretary, for covered transmitting utilities to
                    determine the annual baseline performance of
                    transmission facilities or transmission segments absent
                    qualifying actions--
                                (i) by measuring the baseline performance
                            of such a transmission facility or transmission
                            segment--
                                        (I) through the actual amount of
                                    electrical energy entering and leaving
                                    such facility or segment (commonly
                                    referred to as ``direct metering''); or
                                        (II) if the method under subclause
                                    (I) is not feasible, through an
                                    estimation of such amount consistent
                                    with modeling methodologies prescribed
                                    by the Commission; and
                                (ii) by normalizing data to ensure such
                            baseline performance accounts for variability
                            in exogenous factors determined by the
                            Commission, such as variability in--
                                        (I) weather;
                                        (II) demand over time;
                                        (III) upgrades, interconnections,
                                    or operational changes made by other
                                    utilities, Independent System Operators
                                    or Regional Transmission Organizations,
                                    or other entities determined relevant
                                    by the Commission; or
                                        (IV) other conditions affecting
                                    demand or generation.
                        (B) Methodologies relating to cost savings.--
                    Methodologies for covered transmitting utilities to
                    estimate and calculate, and for independent evaluators
                    to verify, the cost savings attributable to qualifying
                    actions under the shared savings framework, taking into
                    account--
                                (i) the baseline performance of any
                            transmission facility or transmission segment
                            with respect to which a qualifying action is
                            conducted; and
                                (ii) price proxies, determined according to
                            a methodology prescribed by the Commission, for
                            the value of electric energy transmitted (which
                            may include, for a region managed by an
                            Independent System Operator or Regional
                            Transmission Organization, the locational
                            marginal price corresponding to the location on
                            the electric grid where an injection or
                            withdrawal of power is modeled (commonly
                            referred to as a ``pricing node'')).
                        (C) Methodologies relating to recoverable
                    percentage and rate recovery timeline.--
                                (i) In general.--Methodologies for covered
                            transmitting utilities to determine, taking
                            into account the factors described in clause
                            (ii), the following:
                                        (I) The total percentage of cost
                                    savings attributable to a qualifying
                                    action that such a utility may recover
                                    as an incentive under the shared
                                    savings framework, which may not be
                                    less than 10 percent or greater than 60
                                    percent of such total attributable cost
                                    savings (in this subsection referred to
                                    as the ``recoverable percentage'' of
                                    such savings).
                                        (II) The period of time during
                                    which such a utility may recover
                                    amounts as an incentive for such an
                                    action, which may not be shorter than a
                                    2-year period or longer than a 5-year
                                    period (in this subsection referred to
                                    as the ``rate recovery timeline'' for
                                    such action).
                                (ii) Factors.--The factors described in
                            this clause are the following:
                                        (I) The extent of financial or
                                    operational risk to be assumed by a
                                    covered transmitting utility in
                                    conducting a qualifying action.
                                        (II) The baseline performance for
                                    transmission facilities or transmission
                                    segments with respect to which such
                                    action is to be conducted.
                                        (III) The replicability or
                                    demonstration value of such action.
                                        (IV) The duration of cost savings
                                    predicted to result from such action
                                    and whether such cost savings will
                                    remain consistent over such duration.
                                        (V) The extent to which such action
                                    is expected to result in additional
                                    benefits, such as improvements to the
                                    resilience or the reliable operation of
                                    the bulk-power system, reductions to
                                    transmission congestion, or reductions
                                    to greenhouse gas emissions.
                                        (VI) Such other factors as the
                                    Commission may determine relevant to
                                    ensure the incentive is performance-
                                    based, transparent, and cost-effective.
                (3) Initial filing required.--To be considered for an
            incentive under the shared savings framework for the conduct of
            a qualifying action, a covered transmitting utility shall
            submit to the Commission an initial filing, the contents of
            which shall be verified by an independent evaluator determined
            appropriate by the Commission, that includes the following:
                        (A) An identification of the baseline performance
                    of any transmission facility or transmission segment
                    with respect to which such action is to be conducted
                    for the 1-year period preceding the date on which such
                    conduct is to be commenced, determined by such utility
                    pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph
                    (2)(A) (including the data underlying such
                    calculation).
                        (B) A description of such action, including an
                    analysis of improvements expected to result from such
                    action.
                        (C) The rate recovery timeline for such action and
                    the recoverable percentage of cost savings attributable
                    to such action, determined pursuant to an applicable
                    methodology under paragraph (2)(C).
                        (D) An estimate, developed pursuant to an
                    applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(B), of the
                    cost savings to result from such action for--
                                (i) the 1-year period beginning on the date
                            on which the conduct of such action commences;
                            and
                                (ii) the duration of the rate recovery
                            timeline for such action.
                        (E) A claim for 50 percent of the recoverable
                    percentage of cost savings estimated under subparagraph
                    (D)(i).
                        (F) An agreement by such utility to file with the
                    Commission the annual reports required under paragraph
                    (4), the contents of which shall be verified by an
                    independent evaluator determined appropriate by the
                    Commission.
                (4) Annual reporting required.--Beginning 1 year after the
            date on which a covered transmitting utility submits an initial
            filing for a qualifying action under paragraph (3), and on an
            annual basis thereafter until the end of the rate recovery
            timeline for such action determined under subparagraph (C) of
            such paragraph or until such action no longer results in cost
            savings, whichever occurs first, such utility shall file with
            the Commission a report containing, with respect to the
            qualifying action of such utility, the following:
                        (A) Data on the performance during the preceding
                    year of any transmission facility or transmission
                    segment with respect to which such action was
                    conducted, and a comparison of such performance to the
                    baseline performance of that transmission facility or
                    transmission segment determined pursuant to an
                    applicable methodology under paragraph (2)(A) for such
                    year.
                        (B) The actual cost savings attributable to the
                    qualifying action for the preceding year, calculated
                    pursuant to an applicable methodology under paragraph
                    (2)(B).
                        (C) If such utility expects cost savings to result
                    from the qualifying action during the following year,
                    an estimate, developed pursuant to an applicable
                    methodology under paragraph (2)(B), of the cost savings
                    for such following year.
                        (D) A claim for the following:
                                (i) An amount that is the recoverable
                            percentage of the actual cost savings for the
                            preceding year calculated under subparagraph
                            (B) minus any amount previously recovered based
                            on an estimate of cost savings for such year
                            under paragraph (5)(A) or paragraph (5)(B)(ii),
                            as the case may be.
                                (ii) If the report includes an estimate of
                            cost savings for the following year under
                            paragraph (5), an amount that is 50 percent of
                            the recoverable percentage of such estimated
                            cost savings.
                        (E) If such utility finds that the total amount
                    recovered for a year under paragraph (5) exceeds the
                    amount equal to the total recoverable percentage of the
                    actual cost savings for that year under subparagraph
                    (B), an identification of the excess amount.
                (5) Recovery mechanism.--
                        (A) Rate adjustment based on initial filing.--Not
                    later than 60 days after receiving an initial filing of
                    a covered transmitting utility under paragraph (3), the
                    Commission shall provide to such utility a rate
                    adjustment under which such utility may recover the
                    amount claimed under paragraph (3)(D).
                        (B) Rate adjustment based on annual reports.--Not
                    later than 60 days after receiving an annual report of
                    a covered transmitting utility under paragraph (4), the
                    Commission shall provide to such utility a rate
                    adjustment under which--
                                (i) subject to subparagraph (C), such
                            utility may recover the amount claimed under
                            paragraph (4)(D)(i); and
                                (ii) if the report included a claim under
                            paragraph (4)(D)(ii), such utility may recover
                            the amount so claimed.
                        (C) Reconciliation.--If a utility identifies an
                    excess amount under paragraph (4)(E), or the Commission
                    determines the information reported for that year under
                    paragraph (4) is insufficient for purposes of this
                    paragraph, the Commission shall credit the difference
                    to ratepayers through a rate adjustment.
                (6) Sense of congress regarding additional rulemakings.--It
            is the sense of Congress that--
                        (A) following the issuance of the rule under
                    paragraph (1), the Commission should revise such rule,
                    or issue additional rules under the authority of
                    section 219(b)(3) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
                    824s(b)(3)), as amended by subsection (a), to expand
                    the shared savings framework to additional categories
                    of measurable, demonstrable, and verifiable covered
                    transmission actions;
                        (B) any such rule should include a version of the
                    methodologies developed under paragraph (2) adapted for
                    such additional categories; and
                        (C) any such rule should take into account the
                    findings of the most recently conducted study under
                    subsection (e).
        (c) Guidance for Electric Utilities Not Subject to Federal Energy
    Regulatory Commission Jurisdiction.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary, in coordination with
            the Commission and State regulatory authorities, shall develop
            and publish on a publicly available website of the Department
            of Energy guidance to support State regulatory authorities in
            establishing frameworks under which covered electric utilities
            may recover a portion of verified cost savings attributable to
            a covered utility action as an incentive.
                (2) Minimum elements.--The guidance under paragraph (1)
            shall include--
                        (A) guidance, developed in accordance with
                    paragraph (3), for determining the baseline performance
                    of a covered electric utility absent a covered utility
                    action;
                        (B) guidance, developed in accordance with
                    paragraph (4), for determining the cost savings
                    attributable to a covered utility action;
                        (C) guidance for the measurement and verification
                    of a covered utility action, and any cost savings
                    attributable to such action, by an independent
                    evaluator determined appropriate by the State
                    regulatory authority concerned;
                        (D) guidance on potential mechanisms by which
                    covered electric utilities may recover a portion of the
                    verified cost savings attributable to a covered utility
                    action, including through the provision of rate
                    adjustments by State regulatory authorities; and
                        (E) such other elements as the Secretary determines
                    appropriate to ensure the framework specified in
                    paragraph (1) is transparent, performance-based, cost-
                    effective, and consistent with State ratemaking
                    practices.
                (3) Methodology for determining baseline performance.--
                        (A) In general.--In developing the guidance under
                    paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary, acting through the
                    heads of the Grid Deployment Office, Office of
                    Electricity, and Office of Energy Efficiency and
                    Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, in
                    coordination with the Commission, shall--
                                (i) consult with State regulatory
                            authorities, Independent System Operators,
                            Regional Transmission Organizations, and
                            independent evaluators determined appropriate
                            by the Secretary regarding such guidance;
                                (ii) include in such guidance technical
                            guidance for normalizing data to ensure the
                            baseline performance of a covered electric
                            utility accounts for variability in exogenous
                            factors, such as variability in--
                                        (I) weather;
                                        (II) demand over time;
                                        (III) upgrades, interconnections,
                                    or operational changes made by other
                                    utilities, Independent System Operators
                                    or Regional Transmission Organizations,
                                    or other entities determined relevant
                                    by the Commission; or
                                        (IV) other conditions affecting
                                    demand or generation, as determined by
                                    the Secretary; and
                                (iii) ensure such guidance supports
                            consistent treatment across covered electric
                            utilities within each category described in
                            paragraph (5).
                        (B) Support from national laboratories.--The
                    National Laboratories shall provide such technical
                    support as the Secretary determines necessary to carry
                    out this paragraph.
                (4) Guidance on determining cost savings.--In developing
            the guidance under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall--
                        (A) include in such guidance--
                                (i) principles to ensure that cost savings
                            attributable to a covered utility action are
                            calculated in a manner that takes into account
                            price proxies for the value of electric energy
                            and the baseline performance of the covered
                            electric utility; and
                                (ii) tools, technical support, and
                            reference data to assist State regulatory
                            authorities in applying the principles
                            specified in clause (i); and
                        (B) ensure such guidance supports consistent
                    treatment across covered electric utilities within each
                    category described in paragraph (5).
                (5) Applicability to utility market structures.--In
            carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop
            separate guidance for each category of covered electric
            utilities as follows:
                        (A) Vertically integrated utilities.
                        (B) Covered electric utilities that own or operate
                    transmission infrastructure but not distribution or
                    generation infrastructure.
                        (C) Covered electric utilities that own or operate
                    distribution infrastructure but not transmission or
                    generation infrastructure.
                        (D) Covered electric utilities that own or operate
                    distribution and transmission infrastructure but not
                    generation infrastructure.
                (6) Revisions.--Upon the publication of each report under
            subsection (e), the Secretary shall determine whether to revise
            the guidance under paragraph (1), taking into account the
            contents of such report and the recommendations included
            therein.
        (d) Grant Program for State Regulatory Authorities.--
                (1) Establishment.--Not later than 2 years after the date
            of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish
            a program under which the Secretary may award grants to State
            regulatory authorities to support the development,
            implementation, and oversight by such State regulatory
            authorities of frameworks under which covered electric
            utilities may recover a portion of verified cost savings
            attributable to a covered utility action as an incentive (in
            this subsection referred to as the ``grant program'').
                (2) Authorized uses of funds.--Amounts awarded under the
            grant program may only be used to conduct the following
            activities:
                        (A) The development of a framework referred to in
                    paragraph (1), or revision of an existing such
                    framework, such that the framework is consistent with
                    the guidance developed under subsection (c), including
                    the following:
                                (i) The development, including the design
                            or modeling, of methodologies consistent with
                            the methodologies set forth under such
                            guidance.
                                (ii) The development of data systems or
                            other tools necessary for the development of
                            the framework.
                                (iii) The issuance or revision of
                            regulations necessary for the development of
                            the framework.
                                (iv) The engagement with stakeholders with
                            respect to the development of the framework.
                        (B) The implementation or oversight of a framework
                    consistent with such guidance.
                (3) Prohibited use of funds.--No amounts awarded under the
            grant program may be used to pay a covered electric utility.
                (4) Grant recipient reporting requirement.--
                        (A) In general.--As a condition of receiving
                    amounts under the grant program, a State regulatory
                    authority shall agree to submit to the Secretary, on an
                    annual basis for the duration of the period in which
                    such State regulatory authority expends such amounts, a
                    report describing the activities carried out using such
                    amounts.
                        (B) Effect of noncompliance.--If a grant recipient
                    fails to submit a report required under subparagraph
                    (A), such recipient shall be ineligible for additional
                    awards under this subsection until the report is
                    submitted.
                (5) Administration of program.--
                        (A) Technical support; public registry.--In
                    carrying out the grant program, the Secretary shall--
                                (i) provide to grant recipients technical
                            assistance in support of activities conducted
                            using amounts awarded under the grant program;
                            and
                                (ii) maintain a publicly accessible
                            registry of the activities so conducted.
                        (B) Reporting by secretary.--Not later than 2 years
                    after the date of enactment of this section, and
                    biennially thereafter for the duration of the grant
                    program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
                    congressional committees a report containing--
                                (i) a summary of the activities conducted
                            using amounts awarded under the grant program;
                                (ii) an assessment of the effectiveness of
                            any framework implemented using such amounts;
                            and
                                (iii) an identification of any barrier to
                            the development, implementation, or oversight
                            of a framework consistent with the guidance
                            developed under subsection (c) and
                            recommendations for addressing such barrier, as
                            applicable.
                        (C) Allocation of funds.--Of the amounts authorized
                    to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the
                    Secretary to carry out the grant program--
                                (i) not more than 70 percent may be awarded
                            for the conduct of activities under paragraph
                            (2)(A);
                                (ii) not less than 30 percent may be
                            awarded for the conduct of activities under
                            paragraph (2)(B); and
                                (iii) not more than 5 percent may be
                            obligated or expended for Federal
                            administrative expenses.
        (e) Studies on Effects of Certain Rate Treatments and Alternative
    Frameworks.--
                (1) Studies required.--Not later than 3 years after the
            date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years
            thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission,
            shall--
                        (A) conduct a study on--
                                (i) inefficiencies in the electric power
                            sector incentivized by existing rate treatments
                            for the transmission of electric energy and any
                            economic, environmental, or societal effect of
                            such inefficiencies, including with respect to
                            the customers of electric utilities, the
                            reliable operation of the bulk-power system,
                            and the deployment of cost-effective advanced
                            transmission technologies; and
                                (ii) alternative frameworks for incentive-
                            based, including performance-based, rate
                            treatments for such transmission, such as the
                            alternative frameworks described in paragraph
                            (2); and
                        (B) publish on a publicly available website of the
                    Department of Energy, and submit to the appropriate
                    congressional committees, a report that includes--
                                (i) a detailed description of the findings
                            of such study; and
                                (ii) recommendations of the Secretary to
                            align rate treatments for the transmission of
                            electric energy with the goals of lowering
                            costs for the customers of electric utilities,
                            enhancing the reliable operation of the bulk-
                            power system, reducing transmission congestion
                            and other inefficiencies in the transmission or
                            delivery of electric energy, and encouraging
                            the deployment of cost-effective advanced
                            transmission technologies.
                (2) Examples of alternative frameworks.--The alternative
            frameworks described in this paragraph are the following:
                        (A) Shared savings frameworks.
                        (B) Revenue decoupling models, under which
                    authorized revenues of utilities are separated from
                    volumetric sales of electricity to reduce disincentives
                    for energy efficiency and programs to reduce the
                    consumption of, or peak demand for, electric energy.
                        (C) Return on equity adjustments, under which
                    authorized utility returns are increased or decreased
                    based on measurable factors such as risk profile,
                    performance outcomes, or efficiency improvements.
                        (D) Multi-year rate plans, under which revenue
                    requirements and performance expectations for utilities
                    are established for a fixed multi-year period rather
                    than through single-year rate cases.
                        (E) Earnings sharing mechanisms, under which
                    earnings of utilities falling outside an authorized
                    range as compared to the return on equity are shared
                    between shareholders and ratepayers.
                        (F) Total expenditure models, under which capital
                    and operating expenditures of utilities are treated on
                    an equivalent basis to reduce bias toward capital
                    investment.
                        (G) Performance scorecards, under which utilities
                    are evaluated against transparent outcome-based metrics
                    such as reliability, affordability, equity, or the
                    reduction of emissions, with results informing
                    regulatory decisions or incentive adjustments.
                (3) Sources.--The Secretary shall ensure that each study
            under paragraph (1) is informed by--
                        (A) reports filed with the Commission pursuant to
                    subsections (b) and (d) of this section, and section
                    304 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825c);
                        (B) relevant reports issued by the National
                    Laboratories; and
                        (C) such other studies, reports, and other data
                    sources as the Secretary may determine appropriate.
        (f) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Advanced conductor.--The term ``advanced conductor''
            means an electric transmission conductor that, relative to a
            conductor being replaced on a given transmission or
            distribution line, is designed to substantially improve
            electrical or mechanical performance through the achievement of
            the following criteria, as determined by the Commission:
                        (A) A substantial increase in current-carrying
                    capacity under normal operating conditions.
                        (B) A substantial reduction in electrical
                    resistance or line losses under normal operating
                    conditions.
                        (C) Operation at materially higher continuous
                    allowable operating temperatures.
                        (D) A reduction in thermal sag or mechanical
                    constraints that enables increased use of a
                    transmission segment or facility.
                (2) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
            transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
                        (A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
                    reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
                    facilities and transmission technologies;
                        (B) is installed in addition to new or existing
                    transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
                                (i) to give operators of the transmission
                            facilities and transmission technologies more
                            situational awareness and control over the
                            electric grid;
                                (ii) to make the transmission facilities
                            and transmission technologies more efficient;
                            or
                                (iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
                            the transmission facilities and transmission
                            technologies; and
                        (C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
                    ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
                    advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
                    physical systems that increase the usable transfer
                    capability of the grid.
                (3) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
            ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
                        (A) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
                    House of Representatives; and
                        (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
                    of the Senate.
                (4) Bulk-power system; electric utility; independent system
            operator; regional transmission organization; state regulatory
            authority; transmitting utility.--The terms ``bulk-power
            system'', ``electric utility'', ``Independent System
            Operator'', ``Regional Transmission Organization'', ``State
            regulatory authority'', and ``transmitting utility'' have the
            meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act
            (16 U.S.C. 796).
                (5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (6) Covered electric utility.--The term ``covered electric
            utility'' means an electric utility not subject to the
            jurisdiction of the Commission for ratemaking purposes under
            Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.).
                (7) Covered action.--The term ``covered action''--
                        (A) means an action that would generate cost
                    savings for ratepayers; and
                        (B) does not include the construction of a new
                    facility or the complete reconstruction of an existing
                    facility.
                (8) Covered transmission action.--The term ``covered
            transmission action'' means a covered action to improve the
            efficiency, capacity, reliability, or resilience of 1 or more
            transmission facilities or transmission segments, including
            through--
                        (A) the replacement of a conductor on a
                    transmission line within such a facility or segment
                    with an advanced conductor; or
                        (B) the deployment of an advanced transmission
                    technology.
                (9) Covered transmitting utility.--The term ``covered
            transmitting utility'' means a transmitting utility subject to
            the jurisdiction of the Commission for ratemaking purposes
            under part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.).
                (10) Covered utility action.--The term ``covered utility
            action'' means a covered action taken by an electric utility
            to--
                        (A) improve the efficiency of the generation,
                    transmission, or distribution of electric energy,
                    including by reducing the proportion of electrical
                    energy lost during such generation, transmission, or
                    distribution (including through the deployment of
                    energy storage systems or other technologies); or
                        (B) reduce the consumption of, or peak demand for,
                    electric energy, including through--
                                (i) a technological improvement, such as
                            the deployment of high-efficiency appliances,
                            smart thermostats, distributed energy
                            resources, or building retrofits;
                                (ii) the establishment of a pricing
                            mechanism to encourage customers of the
                            electric utility to reduce such consumption or
                            shift such demand to non-peak hours; or
                                (iii) any other action or program to
                            incentivize or otherwise produce such a
                            reduction or shift in demand.
                (11) Qualifying action.--The term ``qualifying action''
            means a covered transmission action achieved through the
            reduction of transmission physical losses.
                (12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
                (13) Similarly situated.--The term ``similarly situated'',
            with respect to transmission segments, means transmission
            segments that the Commission determines share comparable
            characteristics, such as voltage class, geography, load
            profile, or historical performance.
                (14) Transmission physical loss.--The term ``transmission
            physical loss'' means the amount of electrical energy that
            enters a transmission segment but does not exit such
            transmission segment, as measured over a prescribed period of
            time.
                (15) Transmission segment.--The term ``transmission
            segment'' means a functionally distinct portion of an
            interconnected transmission system (such as a single
            transmission line or multiple transmission lines within a
            prescribed zone, such as between prescribed substations), for
            which the amount of electrical energy transmitted and the
            amount of electrical energy lost during such transmission may
            be independently measured, as determined by the Commission.
                (16) Vertically integrated electric utility.--The term
            ``vertically integrated electric utility'' means a covered
            electric utility that--
                        (A) owns and operates generation, transmission, and
                    distribution facilities; and
                        (B) directly provides retail electric service to
                    end-use customers.

    SEC. 602. CONSUMER PROTECTION FROM ENERGY MARKET MANIPULATION.

        (a) Amendments to the Federal Power Act.--
                (1) Enforcement of certain provisions.--Section 316A of the
            Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825o-1) is amended by adding at
            the end the following:
        ``(c) Prohibition or Suspension for Violations.--The Commission may
    prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, permanently or for such
    period of time as the Commission determines to be appropriate, any
    person who is engaged or has engaged in practices constituting a
    violation of section 221 or 222 (and related rules and regulations)
    from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the business of purchasing or
    selling--
                ``(1) electric energy;
                ``(2) electric energy products, including financial
            transmission rights; or
                ``(3) transmission services subject to the jurisdiction of
            the Commission.''.
                (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 314(d) of the Federal
            Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825m(d)) is amended--
                        (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                                (i) by striking ``individual'' and
                            inserting ``person''; and
                                (ii) by inserting ``or 222'' after
                            ``section 221'';
                        (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``with respect
                    to a person who is an individual,'' before ``acting'';
                    and
                        (C) in paragraph (2)--
                                (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                            (A), by inserting ``, directly or indirectly,''
                            after ``engaging'';
                                (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``;
                            or'' and inserting a semicolon;
                                (iii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
                            subparagraph (C); and
                                (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
                            the following:
                        ``(B) electric energy products, including financial
                    transmission rights; or''.
        (b) Amendments to Natural Gas Act.--
                (1) Prohibition on filing false information.--The Natural
            Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
            section 4A the following:

    ``SEC. 4B. PROHIBITION ON FILING FALSE INFORMATION.

        ``No person shall willfully and knowingly report to a Federal
    agency or private-sector price-reporting agency, with intent to
    fraudulently affect the data being compiled by the Federal agency or
    private-sector price-reporting agency, any information relating to the
    transportation or sale of natural gas subject to the jurisdiction of
    the Commission (including information relating to the availability and
    prices of natural gas sold at wholesale and in interstate commerce and
    information relating to the operation of facilities for the
    transportation and sale of natural gas at wholesale and in interstate
    commerce) that the person knows to be false at the time of the
    reporting.''.
                (2) Civil penalty authority.--Section 22 of the Natural Gas
            Act (15 U.S.C. 717t-1) is amended by adding at the end the
            following:
        ``(d) Prohibition or Suspension for Violations.--The Commission may
    prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, permanently or for such
    period of time as the Commission determines to be appropriate, any
    person who is engaged or has engaged in practices constituting a
    violation of section 4A or 4B (including related rules and regulations)
    from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the business of purchasing or
    selling--
                ``(1) natural gas; or
                ``(2) transmission services subject to the jurisdiction of
            the Commission.''.
                (3) Conforming amendments.--Section 20(d) of the Natural
            Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717s(d)) is amended--
                        (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
                    striking ``individual'' and inserting ``person'';
                        (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``with respect
                    to a person who is an individual,'' before ``acting'';
                    and
                        (C) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding
                    subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, directly or
                    indirectly,'' after ``engaging''.

    SEC. 603. AVOIDING COST SHIFTS ONTO FAMILIES.

        (a) In General.--Section 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory
    Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
                ``(22) Large load facility class.--
                        ``(A) Classification.--Large load facilities shall
                    be considered a class of electric consumers.
                        ``(B) Cost recovery relating to large load facility
                    class.--Each electric utility that provides electric
                    service to a class of electric consumers described in
                    subparagraph (A) shall fully recover from such class
                    all costs associated with any upgrade made to the
                    generation, transmission, or distribution facilities of
                    the electric grid, including local facilities, in order
                    to meet the demand for electric energy from such class,
                    including in the event that a large load facility
                    ceases operations or uses less electric energy than
                    projected at the time of such upgrade.
                ``(23) Grid reliability for large load facilities.--Each
            electric utility shall prioritize, among requests from owners
            or operators of large load facilities for electric service,
            such a request under which the owner or operator agrees to
            employ--
                        ``(A) features that reduce the demand for electric
                    energy from the electric grid during times of peak
                    demand, including--
                                ``(i) energy efficiency or energy
                            conservation measures;
                                ``(ii) onsite energy storage; or
                                ``(iii) demand response or load flexibility
                            technologies; and
                        ``(B) zero-emission electric energy generated
                    onsite or procured within the same balancing authority
                    through a power purchase agreement to meet all of the
                    demand of the large load facility for electric
                    energy.''.
        (b) Definitions.--Section 111 of the Public Utility Regulatory
    Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621) is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
        ``(e) Definitions.--For the purposes of subsection (d):
                ``(1) Large load facility.--The term `large load
            facility'--
                        ``(A) means a facility, or an aggregation of
                    facilities at a single site, with respect to which the
                    peak demand of such facility or such aggregation of
                    facilities exceeds 75 megawatts; and
                        ``(B) does not include an existing facility with
                    respect to which any increased demand is predominantly
                    caused by electrification or measures to reduce
                    greenhouse gas emissions.
                ``(2) Zero-emission electric energy.--The term `zero-
            emission electric energy' means electric energy generated
            without emitting greenhouse gases, including from solar, wind,
            geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, fission, or fusion energy.''.
        (c) Conforming Amendments.--
                (1) Obligations to consider and determine.--Section 112 of
            the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
            2622) is amended--
                        (A) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the
                    following:
                ``(9)(A) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
            of this paragraph, each State regulatory authority (with
            respect to each electric utility for which the State has
            ratemaking authority) and each nonregulated utility shall
            commence consideration under section 111, or set a hearing date
            for consideration, with respect to each standard established by
            paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d).
                        ``(B) Not later than 2 years after the date of
                    enactment of this paragraph, each State regulatory
                    authority (with respect to each electric utility for
                    which the State has ratemaking authority), and each
                    nonregulated electric utility shall complete the
                    consideration and make the determination under section
                    111 with respect to each standard established by
                    paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d).
                        ``(C) Not later than 30 days after completing the
                    determination and making a determination under section
                    111 with respect to each standard established by
                    paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d), each State
                    regulatory authority (with respect to each electric
                    utility for which the State has ratemaking authority),
                    and each nonregulated electric utility shall submit to
                    the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
                    Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
                    Resources of the Senate a report detailing the process
                    used for consideration and an explanation for the
                    determination.'';
                        (B) in subsection (c)--
                                (i) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)'' and
                            inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
                                (ii) by inserting ``In the case of the
                            standard established by paragraphs (22) and
                            (23) of section 111(d), the reference contained
                            in this subsection to the date of enactment of
                            this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to
                            the date of enactment of such paragraphs (22)
                            and (23).'' after ``paragraph (21).''; and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                                ``(i) Other prior state actions.--
                            Subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to the
                            standards established by paragraphs (22) and
                            (23) of section 111(d) in the case of any
                            electric utility in a State if, before the date
                            of enactment of this subsection--
                                        ``(I) the State has implemented for
                                    the electric utility the standard
                                    concerned (or a comparable standard);
                                        ``(II) the State regulatory
                                    authority for the State or the relevant
                                    nonregulated electric utility has
                                    conducted a proceeding to consider
                                    implementation of the standard
                                    concerned (or a comparable standard)
                                    for the electric utility; or
                                        ``(III) the State legislature has
                                    voted on the implementation of the
                                    standard concerned (or a comparable
                                    standard) for the electric utility
                                    during the 3-year period ending on that
                                    date of enactment.''.
                (2) Prior and pending proceedings.--Section 124 of the
            Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2634)
            is amended by inserting ``In the case of each standard
            established by paragraphs (22) and (23) of section 111(d), the
            reference contained in this section to the date of enactment of
            this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of
            enactment of such paragraphs (22) and (23).'' after ``paragraph
            (21).''.

    SEC. 604. TRUE COSTS AND VALUE OF ENERGY FOR ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC
                  BENEFIT.

        (a) Energy Productivity Assessments.--
                (1) Baseline assessment.--Not later than 2 years after the
            date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in
            consultation with the Task Force established under subsection
            (c) of this Act, shall publish a comprehensive baseline
            assessment of energy productivity in the United States, which
            shall, at a minimum--
                        (A) define a framework and methodology for
                    measuring energy productivity as the relationship
                    between energy inputs and the economic or societal
                    value of the work performed by those inputs, at the
                    national, regional, and sectoral levels;
                        (B) evaluate current energy productivity
                    performance at the national, regional, and sectoral
                    levels;
                        (C) identify barriers to improved energy
                    productivity across economic sectors; and
                        (D) highlight opportunities for improvement through
                    technology, policy, behavioral, or structural
                    interventions.
                (2) Periodic national energy productivity reporting.--Not
            later than 6 months after the publication of the baseline
            assessment under paragraph (1), and at least quarterly
            thereafter, the Administrator of the Energy Information
            Administration shall publish a report on energy productivity in
            the United States using the same measures of economic output in
            each sector and nationally as those used in the estimates of
            labor productivity published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
            The Administrator of the Energy Information Administration
            shall coordinate with the Secretary of Labor on such energy
            productivity reports so the publication of such energy
            productivity reports is on the same timeline as the reporting
            of labor productivity by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
                (3) National energy productivity modeling.--Not later than
            18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every
            three years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall produce a
            comprehensive National Energy Productivity Assessment using
            existing Federal modeling tools and data systems. The
            assessment shall--
                        (A) quantify the direct and indirect economic,
                    environmental, health, and societal impacts of
                    achieving accelerated energy productivity improvements,
                    relative to a business-as-usual scenario, at the
                    national, regional, and sectoral levels;
                        (B) analyze potential policy pathways to enhance
                    competitiveness, reduce energy costs, increase
                    resilience, and support job creation;
                        (C) evaluate how such improvements affect national
                    and regional well-being, including reductions in
                    pollution, energy costs, public health burdens, water
                    use, and economic vulnerability;
                        (D) evaluate risks associated with delayed action,
                    including stranded asset exposure and competitiveness
                    losses; and
                        (E) include, as appropriate, recommendations for
                    Federal policies, programs, and research priorities to
                    support sustained energy productivity gains.
                (4) Reports on energy productivity and competitiveness.--
            Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act,
            the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report
            detailing how improvements in energy productivity in the United
            States affects United States competitiveness in key economic
            sectors, including manufacturing, services, and energy-
            intensive industries. The report shall include modeling
            scenarios, investment implications, and policy options to
            maximize national economic benefits from improved energy
            productivity.
        (b) Improving Energy Indicators.--
                (1) Standardized reporting on energy indicators.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the
                    date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force
                    established under subsection (c) of this Act shall
                    develop standardized methodologies for collecting,
                    evaluating, assembling, analyzing, and disseminating
                    data and other information on the following indicators:
                                (i) National energy potential, where the
                            term ``national energy potential'' means the
                            theoretical maximum amount of energy physically
                            present within a country's geographic boundary,
                            including the country's Exclusive Economic
                            Zone, across all energy forms, including--
                                        (I) energy stocks for--
                                                (aa) oil and gas, in units
                                            of chemical energy, which
                                            includes--

                                                        (AA) proven
                                                    reserves as determined
                                                    by the Energy
                                                    Information
                                                    Administration;

                                                        (BB) probable
                                                    reserves as determined
                                                    by the Energy
                                                    Information
                                                    Administration;

                                                        (CC) undiscovered
                                                    technically recoverable
                                                    resources as determined
                                                    by the United States
                                                    Geological Survey; and

                                                        (DD) undiscovered
                                                    unrecoverable resources
                                                    as determined by the
                                                    United States
                                                    Geological Survey;

                                                (bb) coal, in units of
                                            chemical energy, which includes
                                            identified and undiscovered
                                            resources, as determined by the
                                            United States Geological
                                            Survey; and
                                                (cc) nuclear fuel, in units
                                            of fissionable energy from
                                            reasonably assured, estimated
                                            additional, and speculative
                                            uranium and thorium resources,
                                            as determined by the Energy
                                            Information Administration; and
                                        (II) energy flows for--
                                                (aa) solar energy, in units
                                            of annual total Global
                                            Horizontal Irradiance;
                                                (bb) wind energy, in units
                                            of annual kinetic energy from
                                            wind at hub heights and
                                            atmospheric conditions
                                            consistent with commercial wind
                                            energy applications, as
                                            determined by the Department of
                                            Energy;
                                                (cc) hydropower energy, in
                                            units of annual gravitational
                                            potential energy from inland
                                            water flows that, at a minimum,
                                            could power a micro hydropower
                                            plant, as determined by the
                                            Department of Energy;
                                                (dd) geothermal energy, in
                                            units of annual subsurface
                                            thermal energy at a subsurface
                                            depth of 10 kilometers or less,
                                            or under temperature, pressure,
                                            and geological conditions
                                            suitable for energy extraction,
                                            as determined by the Department
                                            of Energy;
                                                (ee) biomass-based energy,
                                            in units of annual chemical
                                            energy, including primary
                                            resources, and secondary and
                                            tertiary residues, as
                                            determined by the Department of
                                            Energy; and
                                                (ff) marine energy, in
                                            units of annual mechanical,
                                            thermal, and chemical potential
                                            energy in the Exclusive
                                            Economic Zone of the United
                                            States.
                                (ii) Technically-accessible energy
                            potential, where the term ``technically-
                            accessible energy potential'' means the
                            theoretical maximum amount of national energy
                            potential that can be accessed and converted
                            into usable energy using existing commercially-
                            available technologies and industry-standard
                            practices, without regard to cost or policy.
                                (iii) Cost-qualified energy potential,
                            where the term ``cost-qualified energy
                            potential'' means the theoretical maximum
                            amount of technically-accessible energy
                            potential that could be profitably developed
                            and delivered as usable energy under current or
                            anticipated near-term economic conditions, as
                            determined using prevailing market prices,
                            technology costs, and industry-standard
                            practices, considering existing ordinances and
                            regulations and current industry practices for
                            siting for energy stocks and energy flows.
                                (iv) Market-viable energy potential, where
                            the term ``market-viable energy potential''
                            means the amount of cost-qualified energy
                            potential that is already online or likely to
                            be developed and brought online in practice, at
                            the time of reporting in subsection
                            (b)(1)(B)(ii).
                                (v) Secondary energy, where the term
                            ``secondary energy''--
                                        (I) means the amount of energy
                                    resources that have been converted into
                                    intermediate carriers electricity
                                    generation;
                                        (II) represents energy forms that
                                    can be stored, transported,
                                    distributed, or further converted
                                    before final consumption; and
                                        (III) includes, but is not limited
                                    to, electricity, refined fuels (such as
                                    refined petroleum products, hydrogen,
                                    or synthetic fuels), and district heat.
                                (vi) Final energy, where the term ``final
                            energy''--
                                        (I) means the amount of secondary
                                    energy in the form delivered for end-
                                    use consumption for consumption in
                                    buildings, transportation, industrial
                                    processes, or other sectors or
                                    applications; and
                                        (II) includes, but is not limited
                                    to, electricity, refined fuels (such as
                                    refined petroleum products, hydrogen,
                                    or synthetic fuels), and district heat.
                                (vii) Useful energy, where the term
                            ``useful energy''--
                                        (I) means the amount of final
                                    energy that is effectively converted
                                    into the desired service or output
                                    after accounting for energy losses
                                    during end-use conversion; and
                                        (II) includes lighting, mechanical
                                    work and motion, heating and cooling,
                                    chemical process energy, and any other
                                    end-use services delivered to meet a
                                    desired function.
                                (viii) Exergy, where term ``exergy'' means
                            the amount of usable energy and resulting work
                            obtainable from a system or energy stream,
                            accounting for both the quantity and quality of
                            energy.
                                (ix) Exergy efficiency, where the term
                            ``exergy efficiency'' means the extent to which
                            the exergy is preserved and converted into
                            valuable economic or societal services during
                            their use for a given system, sector, or
                            economy.
                        (B) Incorporation of new indicators in department
                    reporting.--
                                (i) In general.--Not later than 2 years
                            after the initial development of the
                            standardized methodologies under paragraph (1),
                            the Secretary of Energy shall, as part the
                            Department of Energy's modeling frameworks,
                            scenario analysis tools, and energy outlooks,
                            collect, evaluate, assemble, analyze, and
                            disseminate data and other information related
                            to the indicators listed in clauses (i) through
                            (ix) of subparagraph (A).
                                (ii) Covered reporting.--The modeling
                            frameworks, scenario analysis tools, and energy
                            outlooks described in clause (i) include--
                                        (I) the Annual Energy Outlook;
                                        (II) to the maximum extent
                                    possible--
                                                (aa) the Monthly Energy
                                            Review;
                                                (bb) the International
                                            Energy Outlook;
                                                (cc) the State Energy Data
                                            System; and
                                                (dd) the Short-Term Energy
                                            Outlook; and
                                        (III) any successor model or
                                    analysis to a model or analysis
                                    described in subclauses (I) and (II).
                        (C) Transparency and documentation.--The
                    Administrator of the Energy Information Administration
                    shall publish and maintain detailed documentation on
                    how the Task Force developed the methodologies under
                    subparagraph (A).
                (2) Study on primary energy indicators.--
                        (A) Required study.--The Secretary of Energy, with
                    support from the Administrator of the Energy
                    Information Administration, relevant offices within the
                    Department of Energy, and the Task Force, shall conduct
                    a comprehensive study on the validity, limitations, and
                    potential alternatives to the use of the indicators for
                    primary energy in national energy accounting.
                        (B) Scope of study.--The study shall include--
                                (i) an evaluation of the conceptual basis
                            and historical rationale for the current
                            indicator for primary energy calculated and
                            reported by the Energy Information
                            Administration;
                                (ii) an assessment of the limitations of
                            primary energy accounting in accurately
                            reflecting energy efficiency, energy
                            transitions, and the value and comparability of
                            combustible and non-combustible energy sources;
                                (iii) an analysis of alternative
                            indicators, including secondary energy, final
                            energy, useful energy, and exergy, and their
                            suitability for integration into national
                            energy statistics;
                                (iv) a review of international best
                            practices for energy accounting, including
                            methodologies used by the International Energy
                            Agency and peer nations; and
                                (v) recommendations for improvements or
                            replacements to the primary energy indicator
                            that better align with national goals for
                            energy efficiency, electrification,
                            decarbonization, and economic productivity.
                        (C) Report to congress.--Not later than 18 months
                    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
                    of Energy shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
                    Commerce of the House of Representatives and the
                    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
                    a report containing the findings and recommendations of
                    the study required under subparagraph (A).
        (c) Establishment of Energy Productivity and Cost Task Force.--
                (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
            of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall
            establish an advisory group, to be known as the ``Energy
            Productivity and Value Task Force'' (in this Act referred to as
            the ``Task Force''), which shall be led by the Secretary of
            Energy.
                (2) Membership.--
                        (A) Federal agencies.--The following heads of
                    Federal agencies shall serve as members of the Task
                    Force:
                                (i) The Secretary of Energy.
                                (ii) The Secretary of Commerce.
                                (iii) The Administrator of the
                            Environmental Protection Agency.
                                (iv) The Administrator of the Energy
                            Information Administration.
                                (v) The Chairman of the Federal Energy
                            Regulatory Commission.
                                (vi) The Administrator of the National
                            Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
                                (vii) The Director of the United States
                            Geological Survey.
                                (viii) The Assistant Secretary for Health
                            of the Department of Health and Human Services.
                                (ix) The Director of the Office of Science
                            and Technology Policy.
                        (B) Independent technical experts.--
                                (i) In general.--The Secretary of Energy,
                            in consultation with the other heads of Federal
                            agencies listed in subparagraph (A), shall
                            appoint independent technical experts as
                            members of the Task Force, which shall consist
                            of independent technical experts with a
                            demonstrated expertise in--
                                        (I) environmental and energy
                                    economics;
                                        (II) energy technologies, including
                                    renewables, fossil fuel systems,
                                    bioenergy, and energy storage;
                                        (III) public health and
                                    environmental epidemiology;
                                        (IV) ecology and ecosystem
                                    services;
                                        (V) industrial engineering and
                                    lifecycle assessment; and
                                        (VI) any other field the Oversight
                                    Board determines relevant for the
                                    purposes of this Act.
                                (ii) Number of experts.--Under subparagraph
                            (A), the Secretary of Energy shall appoint--
                                        (I) at least 1 independent
                                    technical expert for each field under
                                    subclauses (I) through (VI) of such
                                    subparagraph; and
                                        (II) separate independent technical
                                    experts for each such field.
                        (C) Stakeholder representatives.--The Secretary of
                    Energy, in consultation with the other heads of Federal
                    agencies listed in subparagraph (A), shall appoint
                    stakeholders as members of the Task Force, which shall
                    consist of at least 1, but not more than two,
                    stakeholders that represent each of--
                                (i) the electric power sector;
                                (ii) the renewable energy sector;
                                (iii) the non-renewable energy sector;
                                (iv) consumer advocacy groups;
                                (v) energy-intensive industries;
                                (vi) environmental and public interest
                            advocacy organizations;
                                (vii) the National Academies of Sciences,
                            Engineering, and Medicine;
                                (viii) academic- and National Laboratory-
                            based researchers with expertise in--
                                        (I) energy and economics;
                                        (II) climate and economics; or
                                        (III) environmental systems and
                                    economics; and
                                (ix) any other sectors or organizations the
                            Secretary of Energy determines relevant for the
                            purposes of this Act.
                (3) Termination.--Notwithstanding section 1013 of title 5,
            United States Code, the Task Force shall terminate on the date
            that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this section.
        (d) Lifecycle Impact and Costs of Energy Technologies.--
                (1) Comprehensive analytical framework and dataset.--The
            Secretary of Energy shall develop and maintain a comprehensive
            analytical framework and dataset based on the methodology and
            guiding principles submitted to the Secretary of Energy by the
            Task Force under paragraph (3).
                (2) Assessment of lifecycle impacts and costs.--
                        (A) Development and maintenance.--The Secretary of
                    Energy shall use the comprehensive analytical framework
                    and dataset developed and maintained under subsection
                    (a) to prepare an assessment of the full lifecycle
                    impacts and costs of producing and delivering energy
                    services from each major energy resource or technology,
                    including impacts and costs from upstream, operational,
                    and downstream stages from extraction to end-use and
                    waste management.
                        (B) Scope of assessment.--The assessment prepared
                    under paragraph (1) shall include, for each major
                    energy resource or technology, a complete
                    quantification and characterization of the lifecycle
                    impacts associated with producing and delivering energy
                    services using the resource or technology, including,
                    impacts from--
                                (i) energy inputs and losses, from
                            extraction through end use and waste
                            management, including embodied energy;
                                (ii) material use, including chemical use,
                            and waste generation;
                                (iii) water use, including withdrawals,
                            consumption, quality impacts, and other risks
                            to water availability, quality, and ecosystem
                            function;
                                (iv) pollution and emissions, including
                            emissions of greenhouse gases and other air
                            pollutants, water pollutants, and land
                            disturbance; and
                                (v) indirect and direct costs to social,
                            environmental, and economic well-being
                            resulting from such impacts.
                        (C) Uses of assessment.--The Secretary of Energy
                    shall use the assessment prepared under paragraph (1)--
                                (i) to develop strategic planning,
                            investment prioritization, policies and
                            programs, and regulatory analysis to limit the
                            social, environmental, and economic costs of
                            energy production and use;
                                (ii) to inform the allocation of grants and
                            making loans and loan guarantees for Federal
                            energy research, development, State and local
                            programs, and demonstrations; and
                                (iii) as a resource for future reports and
                            analyses of energy productivity, recognizing
                            the link between resource impacts and social,
                            economic, and environmental well-being.
                        (D) Updates and availability.--The Secretary of
                    Energy shall--
                                (i) update the assessment at regular
                            intervals, but not less frequently than once
                            every 3 years;
                                (ii) make the results of the assessment
                            publicly available in a transparent, machine-
                            readable format, including documentation of
                            assumptions, data sources, and methodologies
                            used; and
                                (iii) publish a report describing the
                            lifecycle social, economic, and environmental
                            impacts and costs of producing and delivering
                            energy services from each major renewable or
                            nonrenewable energy resource or technology.
                (3) Task force methodology and guiding principles.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than the date that is 12
                    months after the date on which the Task Force is
                    established, the Task Force shall submit to the
                    Secretary of Energy a methodology and guiding
                    principles for the analytical framework and dataset
                    developed and maintained by the Secretary of Energy
                    under paragraph (2), including definitions, the scope
                    of the analytical framework and dataset, data sources,
                    and procedures for periodic review, validation, and
                    updates to such methodology and guiding principles.
                        (B) Reconvening task force for review, validation,
                    and updates.--If the Secretary of Energy determines
                    that the methodology and guiding principles submitted
                    to the Secretary of Energy under subparagraph (A) are
                    no longer suitable or otherwise require revision,
                    including in response to new data, advances in
                    analytical methods, or changes in statutory or
                    regulatory requirements, the Secretary of Energy may
                    reconvene the Task Force for the sole purpose of
                    submitting to the Secretary of Energy an updated
                    methodology and guiding principles by not later than 90
                    days after the date on which the Task Force is
                    reconvened. Any reconvened Task Force shall terminate
                    on the earlier of the date on which it submits the
                    updated methodology and guiding principles to the
                    Secretary or the date that is 90 days after the date on
                    which it is reconvened.
        (e) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Energy productivity.--The term ``energy productivity''
            means a measure of how efficiently an economy, region, or
            industry uses energy to generate economic value.
                (2) Major energy resource or technology.--The term ``major
            energy resource or technology''--
                        (A) means an energy resource, carrier, or
                    technology and any associated systems for producing,
                    converting, storing, transmitting, or delivering energy
                    services that contribute significantly to the national
                    energy supply, demand, or infrastructure and materially
                    affect energy system performance, emissions, or
                    economic outcomes; and
                        (B) includes--
                                (i) fossil fuels (including coal,
                            petroleum, and natural gas);
                                (ii) nuclear energy;
                                (iii) renewable energy (including solar,
                            wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, marine, and
                            biomass);
                                (iv) hydrogen and other chemical energy
                            carriers and associated systems;
                                (v) energy storage technologies; and
                                (vi) any other energy resources, carriers,
                            or technologies that the Secretary determines
                            may materially affect the performance,
                            emissions, resilience, reliability, or economic
                            outcomes of the national energy system.

    SEC. 605. GRID PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE.

        (a) Electricity Transmission Scorecard Elements and Verification.--
                (1) Reporting requirements.--
                        (A) Covered transmission owner scorecards.--
                                (i) In general.--The Commission shall
                            require each covered transmission owner to
                            annually develop, publish, and submit to the
                            Commission and the Secretary a report, to be
                            known as a transmission owner scorecard, that
                            includes metrics that are standardized as
                            required under paragraph (2) and evaluate the
                            following:
                                        (I) Ratepayer affordability, which
                                    shall assess the cost of transmission
                                    services per unit of energy transmitted
                                    or other metrics that can be used to
                                    assess affordability of energy provided
                                    to ratepayers.
                                        (II) Financing costs, which shall
                                    assess the financing structure and cost
                                    of capital for a covered transmission
                                    owner, and may include consideration of
                                    capital structure and leverage ratios,
                                    reliance on formula rates or other
                                    automatic adjustment mechanisms,
                                    allowed and earned returns on equity,
                                    the cost of debt and preferred stock,
                                    the presence and magnitude of incentive
                                    rate adders, and other related metrics.
                                        (III) Investment prudency and cost
                                    recovery, which shall assess the
                                    prudency of capital investments and the
                                    transparency and structure of
                                    associated cost recovery mechanisms,
                                    and may include the frequency and
                                    magnitude of cost disallowances in rate
                                    proceedings, the types of facilities or
                                    investments associated with disallowed
                                    costs, the degree of cost recovery from
                                    ratepayers relative to shareholder
                                    contributions, and the transparency and
                                    accountability of cost allocation
                                    frameworks.
                                        (IV) Investment effectiveness,
                                    which shall assess the value delivered
                                    by covered transmission owner
                                    investments relative to their costs,
                                    including how effectively the covered
                                    transmission owner considered and
                                    deployed the most economically
                                    efficient solutions to reduce cost
                                    burden on ratepayers and the accuracy
                                    of project cost estimates, and may
                                    include metrics such as benefit-cost
                                    ratios, investments in advanced
                                    technology deployment, non-wires
                                    alternatives, advanced transmission
                                    technologies, or other operational
                                    upgrades that avoid higher cost capital
                                    investment, estimated and actual cost
                                    for new or updated assets, and other
                                    indicators of prudent capital
                                    deployment.
                                        (V) Capital expenditure tilt, which
                                    shall assess the covered transmission
                                    owner's balance of spending on capital
                                    investment versus operational and
                                    maintenance activities.
                                        (VI) System reliability and
                                    availability, which shall assess the
                                    operational performance of the
                                    transmission facilities of the covered
                                    transmission owner over the reporting
                                    year, including information related to
                                    outages, equipment availability, and
                                    resilience to system disturbances, and
                                    may be expressed using existing
                                    transmission-specific reliability
                                    indicators, as described by the North
                                    American Electric Reliability
                                    Corporation or other entity established
                                    to oversee and administer reliability
                                    standards and procedures for the bulk-
                                    power system, metrics regarding the
                                    economic costs of outages or lost
                                    reliability, or other related metrics.
                                        (VII) Physical system performance,
                                    which shall assess how effectively the
                                    transmission facilities owned,
                                    operated, or controlled by the covered
                                    transmission owner are used to deliver
                                    electricity, including both physical
                                    and economic performance, and may
                                    include technical and non-technical
                                    losses, utilization relative to rated
                                    capacity and design constraints, age of
                                    system components, and other indicators
                                    of transmission system utilization,
                                    performance, and efficiency.
                                        (VIII)(aa) Interconnection and
                                    access fairness, which shall assess the
                                    extent to which the interconnection
                                    process for interregional
                                    interconnections and new facilities
                                    (including generators, energy storage,
                                    load, and merchant transmission
                                    projects) is conducted in a timely and
                                    impartial manner consistent with
                                    Commission regulations, including
                                    comparisons between affiliated entities
                                    and unaffiliated entities, and may be
                                    expressed as the difference in the
                                    number of days from initial
                                    interconnection request to execution of
                                    an Interconnection Agreement, or
                                    through related measures of procedural
                                    equity.
                                                (bb) For purposes of this
                                            subclause:

                                                        (AA) The term
                                                    ``affiliated entity''
                                                    means any entity that
                                                    has a direct or
                                                    indirect relationship
                                                    with a covered
                                                    transmission owner or
                                                    its parent entity that
                                                    could reasonably
                                                    influence
                                                    interconnection
                                                    treatment, including an
                                                    entity that shares
                                                    common ownership or
                                                    controlling interest
                                                    with the covered
                                                    transmission owner or
                                                    its parent entity; is a
                                                    direct or indirect
                                                    subsidiary of the
                                                    covered transmission
                                                    owner or its parent
                                                    entity; is engaged in a
                                                    joint venture,
                                                    contractual
                                                    partnership, or
                                                    strategic alliance with
                                                    the covered
                                                    transmission owner or
                                                    its parent entity,
                                                    where such partnership
                                                    includes shared
                                                    financial interest,
                                                    revenue sharing, or
                                                    asset co-development;
                                                    or is otherwise
                                                    determined by the
                                                    Commission to have a
                                                    financial, governance,
                                                    or operational
                                                    relationship that may
                                                    reasonably be expected
                                                    to influence
                                                    interconnection
                                                    prioritization.

                                                        (BB) The term
                                                    ``unaffiliated entity''
                                                    means any entity that
                                                    has logged an
                                                    interconnection request
                                                    with the covered
                                                    transmission owner and
                                                    is not an affiliated
                                                    entity.

                                        (IX) Non-operational cost recovery,
                                    which shall assess the amount of
                                    covered transmission owner spending on
                                    lobbying, advertising, penalties, and
                                    advocacy activities recovered through
                                    customer rates, and may be expressed as
                                    a total sum of expenditures on such
                                    activities, or related metrics.
                                        (X) Interregional and regional
                                    planning integration, which shall
                                    assess the extent to which the covered
                                    transmission owner participates in
                                    coordinated regional and interregional
                                    transmission planning processes and
                                    infrastructure development, and may be
                                    expressed as the number and capacity of
                                    interregional transmission ties, the
                                    share of projects subject to regional
                                    or interregional planning review, or
                                    related metrics.
                                        (XI) Co-location and reuse of
                                    rights-of-way, which shall report the
                                    percentage of new circuit-miles placed
                                    in service that are--
                                                (aa) sited within the
                                            existing corridor of linear
                                            infrastructure, including
                                            transmission, pipeline, rail,
                                            and highway infrastructure; and
                                                (bb) reconductored or
                                            right-sized on existing
                                            structures.
                                        (XII) Any additional matters that
                                    may be evaluated using outcome-based
                                    performance metrics the Commission
                                    determines necessary to improve
                                    transparency, affordability,
                                    reliability, equity, or environmental
                                    performance of the facilities owned,
                                    operated, or controlled by the covered
                                    transmission owner.
                                (ii) Exemptions.--The Commission may, by
                            rule, exempt any category of covered
                            transmission owners from the requirement to
                            include a metric described in clause (i) if the
                            Commission determines that the metric is
                            inapplicable to the covered transmission owners
                            in the category.
                                (iii) Coordination.--In preparing and
                            developing a transmission owner scorecard
                            pursuant to this subparagraph, a covered
                            transmission owner shall coordinate, as
                            necessary to obtain or estimate data required
                            to be included in a scorecard under this
                            subsection, with any relevant entity,
                            including--
                                        (I) regional grid operators,
                                    including Independent System Operators,
                                    Regional Transmission Organizations,
                                    transmission planning entities, and
                                    balancing authorities;
                                        (II) interconnected electric
                                    utilities, including load serving
                                    entities and other transmission
                                    providers;
                                        (III) owners of generation
                                    facilities, including utility-scale and
                                    merchant generators seeking
                                    interconnection or operating within the
                                    service territory of the covered
                                    transmission owner; and
                                        (IV) regulatory and oversight
                                    entities, including State public
                                    utility commissions, and applicable
                                    Federal or State energy, reliability,
                                    or environmental agencies.
                        (B) Regional transmission scorecards.--The
                    Commission shall require each Independent System
                    Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, and
                    transmission planning entity to annually develop,
                    publish, and submit to the Commission and the Secretary
                    a report, to be known as a regional transmission
                    scorecard, that uses metrics that are standardized as
                    required under paragraph (2) and includes the
                    following:
                                (i) Aggregation of the metrics reported for
                            the year in the transmission owner scorecards
                            of the covered transmission owners within the
                            jurisdiction of the applicable ISO, RTO, or
                            transmission planning entity, which shall
                            consist of a summary of such metrics that--
                                        (I) reflects weighted or capacity-
                                    adjusted averages of covered
                                    transmission owner-reported metrics, as
                                    appropriate; and
                                        (II) highlights significant intra-
                                    regional variation or performance
                                    outliers.
                                (ii) Regional-specific metrics, which shall
                            consist of reporting on metrics specific to
                            operational responsibilities of the ISO, RTO,
                            or transmission planning entity, including the
                            following:
                                        (I) Market efficiency, which shall
                                    assess the extent to which the ISO,
                                    RTO, or transmission planning entity is
                                    successful in operating efficient
                                    wholesale electricity markets,
                                    minimizing system congestion, and
                                    maximizing the use of existing grid
                                    infrastructure to deliver cost-
                                    effective outcomes for consumers, and
                                    may be expressed as average energy and
                                    ancillary service costs (system-wide
                                    and by major zone), system and zonal
                                    capacity costs where applicable,
                                    congestion costs, out-of-market
                                    payments, frequency of redispatch,
                                    implementation of congestion-relieving
                                    technologies, or related metrics.
                                        (II) Regional interconnection
                                    performance, which shall assess the
                                    effectiveness and efficiency of
                                    interconnection processes, and may
                                    include metrics that measure the
                                    duration of queue processing, the rate
                                    of project withdrawals, and the share
                                    of projects that successfully reach
                                    commercial operation, or related
                                    metrics.
                                        (III) Regional and interregional
                                    development, which shall assess the
                                    extent and effectiveness of regional
                                    and interregional transmission planning
                                    and buildout, and may be expressed in
                                    relation to the number and total
                                    capacity of transmission lines
                                    developed through regional and
                                    interregional planning processes, the
                                    proportion of new transmission projects
                                    selected through regional planning
                                    processes versus those advanced outside
                                    of such processes (including local or
                                    supplemental projects), the number of
                                    projects selected through competitive
                                    processes, the use and outcomes of
                                    benefit-cost analysis in project
                                    selection and development, the
                                    frequency of stakeholder engagement,
                                    the ratio of total investment in
                                    interregional and regional transmission
                                    to investment in local transmission, or
                                    other related metrics.
                                        (IV) Greenhouse gas emissions
                                    intensity, which shall assess the
                                    emissions profile of electricity
                                    delivered within the service territory
                                    of the ISO, RTO, or transmission
                                    planning entity in the reporting year,
                                    and may be expressed as the emissions
                                    intensity of delivered electricity in
                                    carbon dioxide equivalents per
                                    megawatt-hour, or related metrics.
                                        (V) Any additional outcome-based
                                    performance metrics the Commission
                                    determines necessary to improve
                                    transparency, affordability,
                                    reliability, equity, or environmental
                                    performance of the transmission system
                                    overseen by the RTO, ISO, or
                                    transmission planning entity.
                        (C) Data disclosure.--Each reporting entity shall
                    publish and submit to the Secretary, with each
                    scorecard published under this paragraph, all non-
                    confidential underlying data supporting the metrics
                    included in the scorecard, in a machine-readable, open-
                    data format.
                        (D) Initial reporting.--Each reporting entity shall
                    publish and submit to the Secretary its first annual
                    scorecard not later than 2 years after the date of
                    enactment of this Act.
                (2) Metric and methodology standardization.--Not later than
            1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission,
            with input from the Secretary, the Administrator, the National
            Laboratories, and other stakeholders shall issue guidance that,
            where appropriate, standardizes the metrics required to be
            included in a scorecard under paragraph (1) and the
            methodologies for calculating such metrics.
                (3) Verification requirements.--
                        (A) In general.--The Commission shall establish a
                    process by which scorecards required to be developed
                    under paragraph (1) are verified by independent
                    evaluators to ensure accuracy, consistency, and
                    credibility prior to publication under such paragraph.
                    The Commission shall include in such process--
                                (i) requirements for the approval by the
                            Commission of independent evaluators, including
                            requirements that an independent evaluator--
                                        (I) possess demonstrated expertise
                                    in electric transmission planning, data
                                    validation, engineering analysis, or
                                    grid performance evaluation; and
                                        (II) be independent from the entity
                                    being verified and have no financial,
                                    contractual, or governance conflicts of
                                    interest;
                                (ii) procedures for auditing the
                            assumptions and methodologies used in applying
                            performance metrics, including to detect
                            selective reporting and ensure alignment with
                            Commission-defined protocols;
                                (iii) requirements to ensure that no single
                            independent evaluator, or their parent company
                            or subsidiary, may evaluate a reporting entity
                            more than 4 years in a row, and not more than 7
                            times in any 10-year period;
                                (iv) requirements under which an
                            independent evaluator approved by the
                            Commission may verify the information in the
                            scorecard of the reporting entity, by reviewing
                            supporting documentation, conducting project
                            inspections, and applying standardized
                            evaluation, measurement, and verification
                            protocols for the metrics included in the
                            scorecard;
                                (v) requirements for public disclosure of
                            the results of such verification, including any
                            adjustments to reported values, methodologies
                            used in the verification process, and
                            justifications for material discrepancies; and
                                (vi) a process for reviewing and refining
                            verification protocols at regular intervals, in
                            consultation with any relevant stakeholder
                            advisory group convened under subsection (c),
                            to incorporate advances in data analytics,
                            energy system modeling, and grid performance
                            assessment.
                        (B) Role of national laboratories.--In carrying out
                    this paragraph, the Commission shall--
                                (i) collaborate with National Laboratories
                            that have the necessary expertise, in
                            coordination with the Secretary, to design and
                            publish standardized verification protocols,
                            including templates, analytical tools, and
                            calibration datasets;
                                (ii) utilize the technical expertise of
                            National Laboratories to assist in the
                            training, evaluation, or approval of
                            independent evaluators;
                                (iii) engage National Laboratories in
                            conducting selective audits or quality
                            assurance reviews of verified scorecards during
                            initial implementation of the scorecard
                            reporting and verification process and
                            implementation of any subsequent updates to
                            such scorecards; and
                                (iv) consult National Laboratories during
                            periodic updates to the verification process,
                            in coordination with any relevant stakeholder
                            advisory group convened under subsection (c).
                (4) Independent audits.--
                        (A) In general.--The Commission, in consultation
                    with the Secretary, shall designate National
                    Laboratories with necessary expertise, or other
                    qualified institutions, to conduct independent audits
                    of scorecards published under paragraph (1) on a
                    periodic or as-needed basis to ensure the accuracy,
                    completeness, and integrity of reported data,
                    methodologies, and performance metrics.
                        (B) Initiation.--An audit under this paragraph may
                    be initiated--
                                (i) at the discretion of the Secretary;
                                (ii) upon identification of material
                            discrepancies in reported metrics;
                                (iii) in response to concerns raised by a
                            stakeholder advisory group convened under
                            subsection (c); or
                                (iv) as part of a randomized, rotating
                            sample of reporting entities to support
                            continuous oversight.
                        (C) Results.--The results of an audit conducted
                    under this paragraph shall be made publicly available
                    not later than 2 months after completion of the audit.
                (5) Rulemaking.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall
                    issue a final rule to carry out this subsection.
                        (B) Department of energy support.--Upon request by
                    the Commission, the Secretary shall provide technical
                    assistance, subject-matter expertise, and access to
                    relevant data and tools to the Commission in developing
                    the rule required to be published under this paragraph.
                        (C) Inclusions.--The Commission shall include in
                    the rule issued under this paragraph--
                                (i) requirements to ensure timely and
                            consistent reporting, which may include
                            requirements for data-sharing agreements,
                            protocols for data access, and other mechanisms
                            as necessary to facilitate the completion of
                            scorecards;
                                (ii) allowance for the use of reasonable
                            proxies, estimates, or approximations based on
                            best available data and transparent
                            methodologies where direct data is unavailable;
                            and
                                (iii) requirements that all reported
                            metrics reflect a good-faith effort to provide
                            reasonably accurate representations of
                            transmission facility and system performance,
                            subject to Commission review and oversight.
                        (D) Revisions.--In issuing any revisions to the
                    rule under this subsection, the Commission shall ensure
                    that--
                                (i) such revisions are based on the
                            outcomes of any applicable technical conference
                            held under subsection (c);
                                (ii) the period for public comment on such
                            revisions is not less than 90 days; and
                                (iii) the final rulemaking such revisions
                            is issued not later than 180 days after the
                            close of such period for public comment.
                (6) Enforcement.--With respect to any Independent System
            Operator, Regional Transmission Organization, or covered
            transmission owner subject to the requirements of part II of
            the Federal Power Act that is required to publish a scorecard
            under paragraph (1), a violation of a requirement of this
            subsection shall be considered a violation of a provision of
            such part II for purposes of section 316A of such Act (16
            U.S.C. 825o-1).
                (7) Report.--The Secretary shall annually publish a report
            that compiles and analyzes scorecards submitted to the
            Secretary under paragraph (1) and, for each metric--
                        (A) ranks the performance of reporting entities,
                    grouped by market type and governance structure; and
                        (B) explains the metric and describes any changes
                    over time in the affordability, reliability, equity, or
                    environmental performance of the transmission system,
                    as evidenced by changes in the information included by
                    reporting entities in such scorecards with respect to
                    the metric.
                (8) Scorecard review.--Not later than 3 years after the
            date of enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter,
            the Secretary, in coordination with the Commission shall
            conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of this
            subsection, including the administration of the subsection,
            data collection and coordination, reporting entity compliance,
            stakeholder engagement, and the effectiveness of the
            information included in scorecards as a policy tool and issue a
            public report that includes--
                        (A) an assessment and comparison of the annual
                    changes in utility performance regarding the metrics
                    required to be included in the scorecards;
                        (B) evaluation of data quality, availability,
                    methodologies, and verification practices relevant to
                    the scorecards; and
                        (C) findings and recommendations regarding the
                    scorecards provided by the technical conferences held
                    and stakeholder advisory group convened under
                    subsection (c).
        (b) Accessibility and Public Transparency.--
                (1) Establishment of public-facing scorecard portal.--
                        (A) Initiation.--Not later than 12 months after the
                    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in
                    collaboration with the Commission and the
                    Administrator, shall initiate the establishment of a
                    public, searchable online portal housing scorecards and
                    underlying data submitted to the Secretary under this
                    Act.
                        (B) Portal availability.--Not later than 27 months
                    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
                    shall establish and make available a public, searchable
                    online portal housing scorecards and underlying data
                    submitted to the Secretary under this Act.
                (2) Inclusion in portal.--The Secretary shall make public
            through the searchable online portal established under this
            subsection each scorecard, together with the underlying data
            associated with each scorecard, that is submitted to the
            Secretary under this Act.
        (c) Scorecard Improvement.--
                (1) Technical conferences.--The Commission shall hold
            public technical conferences not less often than once every 3
            years to solicit stakeholder feedback on--
                        (A) the effectiveness of scorecard metrics in
                    conveying the performance of a given reporting entity;
                        (B) the sufficiency and quality of the data
                    disclosed in scorecards;
                        (C) the alignment of scorecards with Federal and
                    State priorities, including affordability and
                    reliability of transmitted electricity; and
                        (D) opportunities to refine metrics in light of
                    emerging technologies, grid conditions, and energy
                    markets.
                (2) Stakeholder advisory groups.--For purposes of a
            rulemaking under subsection (a) and each technical conference
            held under paragraph (1), the Commission shall convene a
            stakeholder advisory group to provide advice to the Commission.
            Each such stakeholder advisory group shall be composed of 17
            members, as follows:
                        (A) 2 members representing State public utility
                    commissions.
                        (B) 2 members representing covered transmission
                    owners.
                        (C) 1 member representing independent power
                    producers.
                        (D) 2 members representing Regional Transmission
                    Organizations.
                        (E) 2 members representing Independent System
                    Operators.
                        (F) 2 members representing transmission planning
                    entities that are not Regional Transmission
                    Organizations or Independent System Operators.
                        (G) 2 members representing ratepayer advocacy
                    organizations.
                        (H) 2 members with expertise in energy data and
                    grid analytics.
                        (I) 2 members with expertise in energy systems
                    performance, representing academic or research
                    institutions, including the National Laboratories.
                (3) Response required.--Not later than 60 days after
            receiving any advice from a stakeholder group convened under
            paragraph (2), the Commission shall respond in writing to such
            advice.
        (d) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
            Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the
            Department of Energy.
                (2) Advanced transmission technology.--The term ``advanced
            transmission technology'' means any hardware or software that--
                        (A) increases the capacity, efficiency,
                    reliability, resilience, or safety of transmission
                    facilities and transmission technologies;
                        (B) is installed in addition to new or existing
                    transmission facilities and transmission technologies--
                                (i) to give operators of the transmission
                            facilities and transmission technologies more
                            situational awareness and control over the
                            electric grid;
                                (ii) to make the transmission facilities
                            and transmission technologies more efficient;
                            or
                                (iii) to increase the transfer capacity of
                            the transmission facilities and transmission
                            technologies; and
                        (C) includes, but is not limited to, dynamic line
                    ratings, advanced conductors, topology optimization,
                    advanced power-flow controls, and other digital or
                    physical systems that increase the usable transfer
                    capability of the grid.
                (3) Bulk-power system.--The term ``bulk-power system'' has
            the meaning given that term in section 215 of the Federal Power
            Act (16 U.S.C. 824o).
                (4) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
            Energy Regulatory Commission.
                (5) Covered transmission owner.--The term ``covered
            transmission owner'' means any entity, other than an
            Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission
            Organization, or transmission planning entity, that--
                        (A) owns, operates, or controls transmission
                    facilities that are part of, or connected to, the bulk-
                    power system;
                        (B) provides, or is capable of providing,
                    transmission service for the movement of electric
                    energy, whether in interstate or intrastate commerce;
                    and
                        (C) if the entity owns, operates, or controls
                    transmission facilities that are not part of, or
                    connected to, the bulk-power system, the total
                    transmission capacity under peak demand conditions of
                    all transmission facilities owned, operated, or
                    controlled by the entity is 100 megawatts or greater.
                (6) Independent system operator; iso; regional transmission
            organization; rto; transmitting utility.--The terms
            ``Independent System Operator'', ``ISO'', ``Regional
            Transmission Organization'', ``RTO'', and ``transmitting
            utility'' have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of
            the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).
                (7) Interregional interconnection.--The term
            ``interregional interconnection'' means a transmission facility
            or interconnection project that enables the transfer of
            electric energy between 2 or more transmission planning
            regions, including connections between any of the Western
            Interconnection, the Eastern Interconnection, and the Electric
            Reliability Council of Texas.
                (8) Reporting entity.--The term ``reporting entity'' means
            an entity required to submit a scorecard under this Act.
                (9) Scorecard.--The term ``scorecard'' means an annual
            report required to be submitted by a covered transmission
            owner, Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission
            Organization, or transmission planning entity pursuant to
            subsection (a).
                (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
            of Energy.
                (11) Transmission planning entity.--The term ``transmission
            planning entity'' means an entity, other than a RTO or an ISO,
            that is responsible for planning for the deployment of electric
            transmission for a transmission planning region.
                (12) Transmission planning region.--The term ``transmission
            planning region'' means a geographic area determined by the
            Commission to satisfy the requirements for the scope of
            regional transmission planning, as established in or in
            compliance with the following orders issued by the Commission:
                        (A) ``Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by
                    Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities''
                    published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2012
                    (77 Fed. Reg. 64890).
                        (B) ``Building for the Future Through Electric
                    Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation''
                    published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2024 (89
                    Fed. Reg. 49280).

      TITLE VII--COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT

    SEC. 701. FEDERAL PERMITTING CAPACITY.

        (a) In General.--To the maximum extent practicable, the head of
    each agency listed under section 41002(b)(2)(B) of the FAST Act (42
    U.S.C. 4370m-1(b)(2)(B)), including the head of any agency invited
    pursuant to clause (xiv) of such subparagraph (B), shall maintain
    adequate personnel capacity and expertise to process authorizations and
    environmental documents for projects in a timely manner, including in
    compliance with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g) and 4336f(a)(4)).
        (b) Assessment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
    of this section, the head of each agency described in subsection (a)
    shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the
    Committee on Natural Resources, and the Environment and Public Works
    Committee a report on the personnel capacity of the agency to process
    authorizations and environmental documents for projects in a timely
    manner, which shall include--
                (1) the number of employees--broken down by field office--
            responsible for processing such authorizations and
            environmental documents as of the date on which the report is
            submitted;
                (2) the number of employees--broken down by field office--
            responsible for processing such authorizations and
            environmental documents as of January 1, 2025;
                (3) the number of employees--broken down by field office--
            necessary for the agency to complete environmental documents in
            compliance with sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National
            Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g) and
            4336f(a)(4));
                (4) the capacity of the agency--broken down by field
            office--to engage with communities affected by projects when
            preparing environmental documents, including dedicated Tribal
            consultation capacity, language access services, and designated
            community engagement personnel as described in section 706;
                (5) the adequacy of the training available to employees
            related to processing such authorizations and environmental
            documents; and
                (6) a finding by the agency whether there are a sufficient
            number of employees of the agency to comply with sections
            107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act
            of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g) and 4336f(a)(4)) and engage with
            communities.
        (c) Implementation Plan.--Upon receipt of the report, if an agency
    finds under subsection (b)(5) that there are an insufficient number of
    employees--broken down by field office--of the agency to comply with
    sections 107(g) and 112(a)(4) of the National Environmental Policy Act
    of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g) and 4336f(a)(4)) and engage with
    communities, or insufficient training opportunities available, the
    Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall develop and
    execute a plan to increase personnel capacity and expertise at the
    agency.
        (d) Direct Hire Authority.--
                (1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 3304 of title 5,
            United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of
            sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, if the head of an
            agency described in subsection (a) issues or renews a
            certification that there is a severe shortage of candidates or
            a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the
            responsibilities and activities of the agency with respect to
            processing authorizations and environmental documents for
            infrastructure projects in a timely manner, the agency head
            may, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), recruit and directly
            appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive
            service.
                (2) Limitation.--The recruiting and appointment of highly
            qualified individuals under paragraph (1) shall be consistent
            with the merit principles of section 2301 of title 5, United
            States Code, and the agency shall comply with the public notice
            requirements of section 3327 of such title 5.
                (3) Termination.--A certification issued or renewed under
            this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of--
                        (A) the date that is 5 years after the
                    certification is issued or renewed; or
                        (B) the date on which the agency head determines
                    that there is no longer a severe shortage of candidates
                    or a critical hiring need for covered positions to
                    carry out the responsibilities and activities of the
                    agency related to permitting.
        (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
    otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums
    as is necessary to conduct more efficient, accurate, and timely reviews
    for planning, permitting and approval processes through the hiring and
    training of personnel, and the purchase of technical and scientific
    services and new equipment, and to improve agency transparency,
    accountability, and public engagement.
        (f) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Authorization.--The term ``authorization'' means any
            license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other
            administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency
            consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law
            in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence
            operations of an infrastructure project.
                (2) Covered position.--The term ``covered position'' means
            a position in which an employee is responsible for conducting
            work of a scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical,
            legal, or otherwise highly specialized or skilled nature
            related to processing authorizations and environmental
            documents for infrastructure projects in a timely manner.
                (3) Environmental document.--The term ``environmental
            document'' has the meaning given such term in section 111 of
            the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
            4336e).

    SEC. 702. INTERAGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL DATA SYSTEM.

        (a) Establishment of Data Standards.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Chair of the Council on
            Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Federal
            Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the Chief Information
            Officers Council, the Office of Management and Budget, and
            other relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies, shall
            develop, publish, and iteratively update data standards for the
            collection and curation of authorization data by Federal
            agencies, which shall be used to--
                        (A) assist with environmental reviews and
                    authorizations;
                        (B) organize, define, and standardize various
                    concepts, formats, and protocols that are included in
                    environmental reviews and authorizations; and
                        (C) reduce the need for redundant environmental
                    reviews by creating a shared vocabulary and software
                    systems that will support vendor neutrality, data
                    interoperability, workflow automation, and automatic
                    data exchange between Federal agencies.
                (2) Inclusions.--The data standards developed, published,
            and iteratively updated under paragraph (1) shall include the
            following:
                        (A) A standardized taxonomy that allows Federal
                    agencies to identify and track data types,
                    relationships, and values.
                        (B) Comprehensive categories for data, such as--
                                (i) projects;
                                (ii) processes;
                                (iii) environmental documents;
                                (iv) public comments;
                                (v) geospatial information;
                                (vi) public engagement events, as
                            applicable by process or Federal agency;
                                (vii) case events; and
                                (viii) milestones to ensure clarity and
                            uniformity.
        (b) Development of Prototype Tools.--The Chair of the Council on
    Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Administrator of
    General Services, the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council,
    the Chief Information Officers Council, the Director of the Office of
    Management and Budget, and other relevant stakeholders and Federal
    agencies, shall design, test, and build prototype tools for
    environmental reviews and authorizations that will assist Federal
    agencies in implementing the minimum functional requirements described
    in subsection (c). The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality
    shall prioritize designing, testing, and building tools under this
    subsection that--
                (1) support authorization case or project management
            systems that manage tasks, milestones, and activities
            associated with environmental reviews and authorizations, and
            provide Federal agencies more data and insight into such
            reviews and authorizations;
                (2) enable--
                        (A) application submission and tracking portals
                    used by project sponsors, enabling greater
                    transparency; and
                        (B) public comment opportunity tracking portals to
                    increase transparency;
                (3) facilitate automated applications, environmental
            reviews, and authorizations;
                (4) allow data exchange between Federal agency systems; and
                (5) accelerate complex environmental reviews.
        (c) Publication of Guidance for Implementation of Data Standards
    and Minimum Functional Requirements.--
                (1) Publication.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Chair of the Council on
            Environmental Quality shall publish guidance for how each
            Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews or
            authorizations implements--
                        (A) the data standards published under subsection
                    (a); and
                        (B) the following minimum functional requirements:
                                (i) Application data sharing that enables
                            automated transfer of relevant environmental
                            review and authorization data among Federal
                            agencies.
                                (ii) Automated project screening to assist
                            frontline staff with reviewing project sponsor
                            provided information for completeness and
                            accuracy and determining if a categorical
                            exclusion or other general authorization
                            applies to an action. Automated project
                            screening may not be used by the Council on
                            Environmental Quality or a Federal agency to
                            unlawfully restrict any activities on Federal
                            lands.
                                (iii) Public availability of screening
                            criteria and related decision models.
                                (iv) Automated case or project management
                            tools which include a repository of relevant
                            data and metadata that enable advanced
                            tracking, reporting, and optimization to aid
                            workflows.
                                (v) Integrated geographic information
                            system analysis tools which incorporate
                            geospatial data layers and models for each
                            resource analyzed as part of an environmental
                            review or authorization for a given study area.
                                (vi) Document management tools that
                            preserve metadata associated with geospatial
                            analysis, modeling, and other analytic
                            processes conducted during an environmental
                            review or authorization, to support future
                            reviews and enable Artificial Intelligence-
                            assisted analysis of past decisions.
                                (vii) Automated comment compilation and
                            analysis tools, including services for comment
                            categorization and response that handle the
                            lifecycle of comment submission, analysis,
                            categorization and response with Artificial
                            Intelligence support where appropriate.
                                (viii) Administrative record management
                            tools that maintain both portable document
                            formats and data-rich repositories accessible
                            to both machine and human users.
                                (ix) Common or interoperable Federal agency
                            services that integrate shared services, shared
                            applications, and common user experiences for
                            Federal agency staff, project sponsors, and the
                            public.
                (2) Inclusions.--The guidance published under this
            subsection shall include the following:
                        (A) Guidelines for cloud-based storage, data
                    sharing protocols, and application programming
                    interfaces to enable the Council on Environmental
                    Quality to work with Federal agencies to use
                    authorization data to aid Federal agencies in
                    modernizing their environmental reviews and
                    authorizations and for iterative development of the
                    authorization portal.
                        (B) Provisions that support scalability and
                    adaptability of the minimum requirements to emerging
                    technologies.
        (d) Implementation of Data Standards and Minimum Functional
    Requirements.--
                (1) Implementation.--The head of each Federal agency
            responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations shall--
                        (A) not later than 90 days after the date of
                    enactment of this section--
                                (i) compare existing Federal agency systems
                            for environmental reviews and authorizations
                            under their authority with the data standards
                            published under subsection (a) and the minimum
                            functional requirements described in subsection
                            (c)(1)(B) and report findings from such
                            comparison to the Council on Environmental
                            Quality;
                                (ii) assess whether existing Federal agency
                            technological capabilities are consistent with
                            the data standards published under subsection
                            (a) and the minimum functional requirements
                            described in subsection (c)(1)(B);
                                (iii) submit to the Council on
                            Environmental Quality a report that estimates
                            the completion dates for implementing the data
                            standards published under subsection (a) and
                            the minimum functional requirements described
                            in subsection (c)(1)(B); and
                                (iv) submit to the Council on Environmental
                            Quality, in consultation with the Council on
                            Environmental Quality, an implementation plan
                            that--
                                        (I) describes how the Federal
                                    agency will implement the data
                                    standards published under subsection
                                    (a) and the minimum functional
                                    requirements described in subsection
                                    (c)(1)(B); and
                                        (II) describes how, to the extent
                                    the Federal agency determines necessary
                                    to meet relevant statutory
                                    requirements, the Federal agency will
                                    adopt or implement the prototype tools
                                    tested, designed, and built under
                                    subsection (b); and
                        (B) not later than 180 days after the date of
                    enactment of this section, begin implementing the data
                    standards published under subsection (a) and the
                    minimum functional requirements described in subsection
                    (c)(1)(B).
                (2) Report.--Not less frequently than twice each year, the
            Chief Information Officer of each Federal agency, in
            consultation with the Chief Environmental Review and Permitting
            Officer of each Federal agency, shall submit to the Council on
            Environmental Quality and the Director of the Office of
            Management and Budget a report on the progress of the Federal
            agency towards meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).
        (e) Unified Interagency Data System.--
                (1) In general.--
                        (A) Unified interagency data system.--To the
                    maximum extent practicable, the Chair of the Council of
                    Environmental Quality and the head of each Federal
                    agency responsible for environmental reviews or
                    authorizations shall iteratively develop and maintain a
                    unified interagency data system consisting of
                    interconnected Federal agency systems and shared
                    services for environmental reviews and authorizations.
                        (B) Authorization portal.--
                                (i) In general.--The shared services
                            developed and maintained under subparagraph (A)
                            shall include a common interactive, digital,
                            cloud-based authorization portal, which shall--
                                        (I) be designed in a manner
                                    consistent with--
                                                (aa) the recommendations of
                                            the Council on Environmental
                                            Quality included in the study
                                            submitted pursuant to section
                                            110 of the National
                                            Environmental Policy Act of
                                            1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336d) entitled
                                            ``Council on Environmental
                                            Quality Report to Congress on
                                            the Potential for Online and
                                            Digital Technologies to Address
                                            Delays in Reviews and Improve
                                            Public Accessibility and
                                            Transparency under 42 U.S.C.
                                            4332(2)(C)''; and
                                                (bb) the minimum functional
                                            requirements described in
                                            subsection (c)(1)(B);
                                        (II) serve as a platform for
                                    tracking and displaying real-time data
                                    on environmental reviews and
                                    authorizations made available through
                                    application programming interfaces or
                                    other reporting mechanisms from Federal
                                    agency systems that are compliant with
                                    the data standards and data
                                    architecture described in this section;
                                        (III) be supported by a
                                    decentralized, cross-network digital
                                    infrastructure software that ensures
                                    vendor neutrality and interoperability
                                    of data and models across Federal
                                    agencies;
                                        (IV) include a mechanism for the
                                    dissemination of relevant information
                                    (such as a notice of intent for public
                                    comment, public meetings, project
                                    statuses, or a notice of intent to
                                    begin an environmental review) to local
                                    communities, as applicable;
                                        (V) allow a project sponsor to
                                    submit all necessary documentation for
                                    environmental reviews and
                                    authorizations in 1 unified and secure
                                    portal;
                                        (VI) support interactive, digital,
                                    and cloud-based tools enabling
                                    applicants to edit documents and
                                    collaborate with relevant Federal
                                    agencies in real time;
                                        (VII) support visual features,
                                    including video, animation, geographic
                                    information system displays,
                                    interactive maps, and three-dimensional
                                    renderings;
                                        (VIII) provide for the exchange of
                                    information to and from Federal agency
                                    data systems via an application
                                    programming interface or another
                                    reporting mechanisms;
                                        (IX) allow for the submission of
                                    geospatial data associated with project
                                    location, footprint, and impact;
                                        (X) support automatic documentation
                                    of submission and process timelines;
                                    and
                                        (XI) allow the following metrics to
                                    be tracked over time--
                                                (aa) estimates of achieved
                                            efficiencies, such as
                                            reductions in the time between
                                            receipt of applications and
                                            final authorization decisions;
                                                (bb) comparisons of
                                            authorization timelines before
                                            and after the implementation of
                                            this section;
                                                (cc) usage of the
                                            authorization portal and other
                                            statistics from the Digital
                                            Analytics Program;
                                                (dd) metrics on the number
                                            of public comments received,
                                            responses provided, and
                                            community meetings held;
                                                (ee) the number of projects
                                            subject to litigation based on
                                            authorization deficiencies or
                                            inefficiencies;
                                                (ff) a list of Federal
                                            agencies that are not yet fully
                                            compliant with the data
                                            standards published under
                                            subsection (a) and the minimum
                                            functional requirements
                                            described in subsection
                                            (c)(1)(B), along with their
                                            progress toward compliance; and
                                                (gg) examples or
                                            repositories of Federal agency-
                                            developed digital workflows
                                            enabled by the implementation
                                            of this section, including
                                            visualizations of data sharing,
                                            authorizations and decision
                                            logic, and environmental
                                            reviews.
                                (ii) Administrative support.--The
                            Administrator of General Services shall host
                            the authorization portal as a shared service
                            for Congress, Federal agencies, and the public.
                                (iii) Accessability.--The authorization
                            portal shall be accessible to Congress, Federal
                            agencies, and the public, with appropriate
                            safeguards to protect sensitive or classified
                            information and information restricted by user
                            type as appropriate.
                                (iv) Public accessibility.--To the extent
                            practicable and consistent with other law, the
                            authorization portal shall provide public
                            access to non-sensitive data, including
                            authorization timelines, location, project
                            type, environmental reviews, and mitigation
                            measures.
                                (v) Congressional access and oversight.--
                                        (I) In general.--The authorization
                                    portal shall provide Congress with
                                    direct access to aggregated performance
                                    data and other analytics to enable
                                    real-time oversight of Federal
                                    agencies.
                                        (II) Artificial intelligence
                                    support systems and training
                                    materials.--Congress shall have access
                                    to the data, fine-tuning procedures,
                                    and prompt configurations specifically
                                    created or adapted for Artificial
                                    Intelligence systems used to support
                                    environmental review or authorization
                                    activities, excluding proprietary or
                                    general pretraining materials unrelated
                                    to such agency-specific customization.
                                        (III) Technical assistance.--The
                                    Council on Environmental Quality shall
                                    provide to Congress technical
                                    assistance upon request to ensure
                                    effective use of the authorization
                                    portal and Artificial Intelligence
                                    systems for oversight purposes.
                        (C) Cybersecurity and compliance considerations.--
                    The authorization portal shall be designed to promote
                    vendor neutral interoperability, reduce redundancy, and
                    ensure compliance and coordination with other laws,
                    including--
                                (i) section 552a of title 5, United States
                            Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act
                            of 1974), and subchapter II of chapter 35 of
                            title 44, United States Code;
                                (ii) the Federal Risk and Authorization
                            Management Program established under section
                            3608 of title 44, United States Code; and
                                (iii) the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
                            Security Agency of the Department of Homeland
                            Security, for a case in which the project is in
                            coordination with a Federal agency with
                            stringent security requirements.
                (2) Deadlines.--
                        (A) Shared services pilot.--Not later than 1 year
                    after the date of enactment of this section, the
                    Council on Environmental Quality shall oversee piloting
                    of shared services for environmental reviews and
                    authorizations, including the authorization portal
                    under paragraph (1)(B).
                        (B) Unified system development and
                    implementation.--To the maximum extent practicable, not
                    later than December 1, 2027, the Chair of the Council
                    on Environmental Quality shall develop and implement
                    the unified interagency data system required under
                    paragraph (1)(A).
                (3) Report.--Not less frequently than annually, the Chair
            of the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with
            the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the Chief
            Information Officers Council, and other relevant stakeholders
            and Federal agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Natural
            Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
            Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the
            Council on Environmental Quality's progress on developing a
            unified interagency data system under paragraph (1).
        (f) Authority To Enter Into Contracts.--Subject to the availability
    of appropriations, the Council on Environmental Quality may enter into
    contracts and other arrangements for analyses, services, and products
    with Federal agencies, private organizations, and businesses, and make
    such payments as determined necessary by the Council on Environmental
    Quality to carry out the provisions of this section.
        (g) Clarifying Rulemaking Authority.--Nothing in this section shall
    be construed to authorize the Council on Environmental Quality or a
    Federal agency to impose additional regulatory processes or
    requirements beyond those expressly stipulated under the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other
    law.
        (h) Savings Clause.--To the extent that a data system, technology,
    or tool developed or incorporated into a unified interagency data
    system under this section is not limited by project type, the data
    system, technology, or tool shall not have its use be restricted by
    project type.
        (i) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Authorization.--The term ``authorization'' means any
            license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other
            administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency
            consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law
            in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence
            operations of a project administered by a Federal agency.
                (2) Authorization data.--The term ``authorization data''
            means--
                        (A) any data relevant for a Federal agency to--
                                (i) determine the effect on the environment
                            of an action for which an authorization is
                            required by the Federal agency; and
                                (ii) determine whether to issue such
                            authorization; and
                        (B) any community input or public comment on such
                    determinations.
                (3) Data architecture.--The term ``data architecture''
            means the design and organization of data systems, including
            frameworks for data storage, processing, and exchange.
                (4) Data standards.--The term ``data standards'' means
            agreed-upon specifications for data formats, structures, and
            definitions to ensure consistency and vendor neutral
            interoperability.
                (5) Environmental review.--The term ``environmental
            review'' means any Federal agency procedures or processes for--
                        (A) applying a categorical exclusion; or
                        (B) preparing an environmental assessment, an
                    environmental impact statement, or another document
                    required under the National Environmental Policy Act of
                    1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
                (6) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' has the
            meaning given the term ``agency'' in section 551 of title 5,
            United States Code.
                (7) Federal permitting improvement steering council.--The
            term ``Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council'' has
            the meaning given the term ``Council'' in section 41001 of the
            FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m).

    SEC. 703. TIMELY PUBLIC RELEASE OF NEPA DOCUMENTATION.

        (a) In General.--To achieve the goals described in section 1507.4
    of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation),
    to allow agencies and the public to efficiently and effectively access
    timely information relating to environmental reviews required under the
    National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the
    lead agency for a proposed major Federal action shall make the
    documents identified under subsection (b) with respect to such proposed
    major Federal action available to the public in a searchable, digital
    format when such documents are completed by the lead agency, or in the
    case of final documents, finalized by the agency. The lead agency shall
    make such documents available to the public in a searchable, digital
    format by--
                (1) publishing and maintaining such documents on the public
            website or websites of the applicable agency or agencies; and
                (2) uploading such documents to the E-NEPA online
            permitting portal established under subsection (b) of section
            110 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as added
            by section 702(b) of this Act).
        (b) Documents.--The documents identified under this subsection are
    the following:
                (1) Any notice of intent and other scoping notices.
                (2) Any draft and final environmental assessments and
            findings of no significant impacts.
                (3) Any draft, final, and supplemental environmental impact
            statements.
                (4) Any records of decision.
                (5) Any documentation associated with a determination to
            proceed with the proposed major Federal action under a
            categorical exclusion.
                (6) Any additional related documentation.
        (c) Timing.--The lead agency shall make the documents identified
    under subsection (b) available to the public in a searchable, digital
    format under subsection (a) by not later than the earlier of--
                (1) 3 days after the date on which the lead agency
            completes the document; and
                (2) 3 days after the date on the document is published in
            the Federal Register.
        (d) Cooperating Agencies.--A cooperating agency shall publish a
    link to the location on the website of the lead agency to the documents
    identified under subsection (b) on which the agency was a cooperating
    agency.

    SEC. 704. COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS.

        (a) Prioritization in NEPA.--If a project sponsor has entered into
    a community benefits agreement described in subsection (b) with respect
    to an eligible project, the applicable lead agency shall prioritize the
    completion of the required environmental documents for the eligible
    project.
        (b) Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).--A project sponsor and a
    CBA partner may enter into an agreement that--
                (1) relates to an eligible project for which an
            authorization is sought;
                (2) may include the disbursement of funds, including
            commitments, for social, economic, or environmental benefits
            that will--
                        (A) ensure benefits from the construction,
                    modification, and operation of the eligible project are
                    shared with nearby residents;
                        (B) offset adverse impacts resulting from such
                    construction, modification, or operation; or
                        (C) address legacy or historical harm or adverse
                    cumulative social, economic, or environmental impacts
                    in the location in which the eligible project is to be
                    carried out;
                (3) includes commitments by a project sponsor to hire
            members of the local workforce during construction,
            modification, operation, or maintenance of the eligible
            project;
                (4) includes commitments to provide educational
            opportunities and training for workforce and skills
            development, if it is determined that there is an insufficient
            local workforce;
                (5) may include commitments by a project sponsor to procure
            materials and services from local businesses, when possible;
                (6) is negotiated through a process that includes
            meaningful engagement by the project sponsor with the CBA
            partner;
                (7) details specific, measurable, and legally enforceable
            CBA commitments;
                (8) includes a detailed plan, with clear metrics,
            milestones, and timelines for accomplishing such commitments;
                (9) establishes specific roles, responsibilities, and
            processes for tracking and reporting progress with respect to
            commitments agreed to in the CBA;
                (10) establishes clear enforcement processes to address a
            failure to fulfill a commitment that was agreed to;
                (11) addresses the mechanism through which any disbursement
            agreed to in the CBA will be held and dispersed, such as
            through a trust fund or similar instrument; and
                (12) if the CBA involves tribal lands or interests--
                        (A) it must be negotiated on a government-to-
                    government basis, in recognition of trust obligations
                    and tribal sovereignty; and
                        (B) the CBA may include compensation to a Tribe for
                    legal costs incurred during negotiation (including
                    legal, staffing, and consulting expenses).
        (c) Technical Assistance.--
                (1) Upon request by a CBA partner, the lead agency may
            provide technical assistance to the CBA partner in developing
            and negotiating a community benefits agreement.
                (2) In providing technical assistance, the agency must
            utilize technical assistance providers who are neutral,
            culturally competent, third parties with experience developing
            CBAs.
        (d) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Authorization.--The term ``authorization'' means any
            license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other
            administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency
            consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law
            in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence
            operations of an infrastructure project.
                (2) CBA partner.--The term ``CBA partner'' means a State, a
            local unit of government, an Indian Tribe, a labor
            organization, or a community benefits organization.
                (3) Community benefits organization.--The term ``community
            benefits organization'' means an organization that--
                        (A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the
                    Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from
                    taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and
                        (B) is formed to protect the human health and
                    environment of communities in the area in which a
                    proposed the eligible project is to be carried out.
                (4) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means
            a project for the construction, modification, or operation of a
            clean energy facility.
                (5) Environmental document; lead agency.--The terms
            ``environmental document'' and ``lead agency'' have the
            meanings given such terms, respectively, in section 111 of the
            National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e).
                (6) Clean energy facility.--The term ``clean energy
            facility'' means a facility that--
                        (A) uses wind, solar, or geothermal energy to
                    generate energy;
                        (B) transmits electricity to support wind, solar,
                    or geothermal energy generation; or
                        (C) stores energy.

    SEC. 705. INTERVENOR FUNDING AT FERC OFFICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

        (a) In General.--Section 319(b)(2) of the Federal Power Act (16
    U.S.C. 825q-l(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``The Commission may'' and
    inserting ``The Commission shall''.
        (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall
    promulgate a final rule to provide compensation under section 319(b)(2)
    of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825q-1(b)(2)), as amended by this
    section. Under such rule the Commission shall require that each
    intervenor or participant file a disclosure form of earned and unearned
    income to identify conflicts of interest. Such form shall not be overly
    burdensome.

    SEC. 706. SENIOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS AND TRIBAL COMMUNITY
                  ENGAGEMENT OFFICERS.

        (a) Designation of Senior Community Engagement Officers and Tribal
    Community Engagement Officers.--
                (1) In general.--The head of each Federal agency required
            or authorized to complete an environmental document or an
            authorization for a major Federal action shall designate--
                        (A) 1 or more appropriate employees or officials of
                    the applicable Federal agency to serve as a senior
                    community engagement officer (referred to in this
                    section as an ``SCO''); and
                        (B) 1 or more appropriate employees or officials of
                    the applicable Federal agency (other than an employee
                    or official designated as an SCO under subparagraph
                    (A)) to serve as a Tribal community engagement officer
                    (referred to in this section as a ``TEO'').
                (2) Responsibilities of an sco and teo.--An SCO and a TEO
            shall--
                        (A) oversee community or Tribal, as applicable,
                    engagement in environmental review and authorization
                    processes carried out by the Federal agency;
                        (B) advise the applicable head of the Federal
                    agency on matters relating to community or Tribal, as
                    applicable, engagement in such reviews and processes;
                        (C) identify, recommend, and implement approaches
                    to expand and improve early, meaningful community or
                    Tribal, as applicable, engagement relating to the
                    environmental review and authorization processes
                    carried out by the Federal agency, including to ensure
                    timely public access to all information relevant to
                    inform such engagement;
                        (D) identify and avoid or resolve conflicts with
                    communities or Indian Tribes affected by the
                    environmental review or authorization processes, as
                    applicable--
                                (i) to align Federal actions with the needs
                            and interests of those communities or Indian
                            Tribes, as applicable; and
                                (ii) to minimize the potential for delay of
                            environmental review and authorization
                            processes carried out by the Federal agency;
                        (E) identify opportunities with affected
                    communities or Indian Tribes to accelerate the
                    environmental review and authorization processes
                    carried out by the Federal agency;
                        (F) provide technical support and capacity
                    building, on request of a community or an Indian Tribe
                    to enhance the ability of communities and Indian Tribes
                    to engage constructively in Federal agency decision
                    making;
                        (G) assist in developing and negotiating community
                    benefits agreements consistent with section 704; and
                        (H) coordinate with the Council on Environmental
                    Quality to develop interagency training modules, data
                    sharing protocols, and community engagement standards
                    to ensure consistency and accountability across Federal
                    agencies.
                (3) Reporting.--An SCO and a TEO shall report directly to a
            Deputy Secretary (or equivalent) or higher position in the
            Federal agency in which the SCO or TEO serves.
                (4) Guidance.--The Director of the Office of Management and
            Budget shall establish any guidance necessary to establish SCO
            and TEO positions not later than 2 years of the date of
            enactment of this Act.
        (b) Regional Community Engagement Officers.--A Federal agency may
    appoint regional community engagement officers to support community and
    Tribal engagement in environmental review and authorization processes
    carried out by the Federal agency within a region impacted by a
    proposed major Federal project, including by carrying out activities--
                (1) to identify and implement approaches to expand and
            improve early, meaningful community and Tribal engagement
            relating to the environmental review and authorization
            processes carried out by the Federal agency;
                (2) to identify and avoid or resolve conflicts with
            affected communities and Indian Tribes that have the potential
            to delay environmental review and authorization processes
            carried out by the Federal agency;
                (3) to identify opportunities with affected communities and
            Indian Tribes to accelerate the environmental review and
            authorization processes carried out by the Federal agency;
                (4) to provide technical support and capacity building, on
            request of a community or an Indian Tribe, to enhance the
            ability of communities or Indian Tribes to engage
            constructively in Federal agency decision making; and
                (5) to assist in developing and negotiating community
            benefits agreements consistent with section 704.
        (c) Application.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
    chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the
    ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), shall not apply to stakeholder
    engagement processes or public comment activities that are required
    under or proceeding from a Federal environmental permitting process and
    led by an SCO, a TEO, or a regional community engagement officer
    appointed under subsection (b).
        (d) FAST 41.--
                (1) Definition of agency sco.--Section 41001 of the FAST
            Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m) is amended--
                        (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (18) as
                    paragraphs (3) through (19), respectively; and
                        (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
                ``(2) Agency sco.--The term `agency SCO' means the senior
            community engagement officer of an agency, as designated by the
            head of the agency under section 706(a)(1)(A) of the Energy
            Bills Relief Act.''.
                (2) Dispute resolution.--Section 41003(c)(2)(C)(i) of the
            FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m-2(c)(2)(C)(i)) is amended by striking
            ``agency CERPOs'' and inserting ``agency CERPOs, agency
            SCOs,''.
                (3) Environmental review improvement fund.--Section
            41009(d)(3) of the FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m-8(d)(3)) is
            amended--
                        (A) by striking ``facilitate timely'' and inserting
                    ``facilitate early, meaningful community engagement and
                    timely''; and
                        (B) by inserting ``and agency SCOs'' after ``agency
                    CERPOs''.
        (e) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Authorization.--The term ``authorization'' means any
            license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other
            administrative decision issued by an agency and any interagency
            consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law
            in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence
            operations of an infrastructure project.
                (2) Environmental document.--The term ``environmental
            document'' has the meaning given such term in section 111 of
            the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
            4336e).

    SEC. 707. CAPACITY GRANTS FOR PERMITTING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

        (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
    Agency shall make grants to States, units of local government, and
    Indian Tribes which shall be used for purposes of--
                (1) increasing the capacity of such organizations to
            conduct activities related to proposed major Federal actions,
            and State, local, and Tribal environmental reviews, permits,
            and consultations, including by--
                        (A) compiling data and conducting analyses,
                    planning, and environmental review;
                        (B) determining potential economic, social, public
                    health, and environmental impacts; or
                        (C) identifying opportunities to mitigate such
                    impacts;
                (2) coordinating with relevant Federal agencies in order to
            establish shared permitting information portals in association
            with the linked interagency environmental data collection
            systems established under section 702 through which project
            developers can--
                        (A) acquire all relevant information regarding
                    pertinent Federal, State and local permitting
                    requirements;
                        (B) submit all required permit applications; and
                        (C) request and receive assistance in completing
                    relevant permit applications;
                (3) identifying and minimizing redundancy between relevant
            Federal, State and local permitting requirements;
                (4) enhancing community engagement opportunities related to
            environmental reviews;
                (5) identifying zones for renewable energy development;
                (6) facilitating the siting of renewable energy-related
            facilities and infrastructure;
                (7) establishing local zoning ordinances that promote the
            development of renewable energy; and
                (8) training and hiring personnel, and other activities to
            increase the capacity of States, units of local government,
            Indian Tribes, and nonprofit associations, as applicable, to
            carry out activities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
        (b) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
    Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants
    under subsection (a) $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through
    2031.
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