WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today highlighted widespread support from American energy producers for H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, which repeals Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). The legislation requires the Department of Energy to force all new and renovated federal buildings to stop on-site fossil fuel-generated energy consumption by 2030 and passed by a vote of 215-202.
Don’t miss what American energy producers are saying:
Karen Harbert, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Gas Association:
“DOE failed to address how the fuel switching from natural gas end-use equipment to electricity would significantly impact the peak day electric demand and the infrastructure requirements to serve the new peak day demand. Furthermore, the need for a significant build-out of the electric grid has not been fully considered or addressed in the electric rate forecast that DOE used in the rule. Moreover, if federal buildings are forced to fuel switch, the cost of maintaining a safe and resilient natural gas system will shift to other customers, which was not fully considered by DOE. Risks to military readiness, reliability challenges, higher building energy costs passed along to taxpayers, and related costs to utility ratepayers are among the many reasons the underlying statute needs to be repealed as soon as possible. AGA supports the swift passage of H.R. 4690, The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, for these reasons.”
Dave Schryver, CEO, American Public Gas Association:
“The American energy infrastructure network is being tested in unprecedented ways. In many regions, electric generation and transmission infrastructure are already under strain, and policies that require full electrification could further exacerbate these challenges. APGA agrees with the supporters of this legislation that now is not the time to eliminate options for energy access at federal buildings. Passage of this legislation is a step forward towards a cohesive and functional federal energy efficiency policy that not only works for the federal government but also does so without wasting taxpayer dollars. We respectfully urge House leadership to bring H.R. 4690 to the floor for consideration and support its swift passage to restore common sense energy flexibility for federal facilities while protecting taxpayers, reliability, and mission-critical operations.”
Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy:
“BCSE also supports the repeal or significant modification of Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which prohibits certain fuels or technologies in federal buildings. In comments submitted to the Department of Energy during its 2023 building performance standard rulemaking, BCSE recommended a holistic, inclusive, and flexible approach. A technology-neutral, whole-building framework will lower costs, improve reliability, security, and resilience, and allow for greater ambition over time. BCSE appreciates the Committee’s leadership in examining policies that reduce costs while enhancing the resilience and reliability of the U.S. energy system.”
James M. Collura, President & CEO, National Energy & Fuels Institute:
“By repealing Section 433, H.R. 4690 restores flexibility to the managers of federal buildings, allowing them to select the most appropriate, efficient, and resilient energy solutions for their individual facilities. This is sound policy and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
Stephen Kaminski, President & CEO, National Propane Gas Association:
“NPGA supports thoughtful federal efforts to improve energy efficiency standards, especially given that propane is a clean, low-emission fuel. However, we oppose applying rigid, one-size-fits-all energy consumption requirements to federal buildings, which can overlook important differences in use, location, and operational needs. NPGA applauds Congressman Langworthy’s work on the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act and encourages the House of Representatives to swiftly pass the legislation.”
Jason Ketchum, VP, Commercial, ONE Gas:
“Without the changes proposed under this act, Section 433 and the DOE’s final rule create a narrow focus on building electrification at the expense of reliability and without consideration of the operational needs and unique conditions at federal facilities across the country. Based on these factors, ONE Gas is supportive of the fuel-neutral policy contained in the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act and supports its passage.”
Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation:
“Section 433 was enacted under very different energy market conditions, before the expansion of domestic natural gas production and before many of today's high-efficiency technologies became widely available. Yet it imposes a rigid requirement to phase out on-site fossil fuel use in new and renovated federal buildings without adequate regard for cost, reliability, operational needs, or technological progress. This policy is especially problematic for military installations and mission-critical federal facilities, where resilience and dependable performance are essential.”
