Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025

Summary

The Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025 aims to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It establishes an energy circuit rider program to provide technical assistance to rural communities. The goal is to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Expected Effects

The Act will create a grant program for eligible entities to hire and train 'Energy Circuit Riders'. These riders will assist rural areas in planning, financing, and implementing energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased energy efficiency in rural communities.
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Job creation through the hiring of Energy Circuit Riders.
  • Access to technical assistance for clean energy projects in underserved areas.
  • Potential cost savings for communities through energy efficiency improvements.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for inefficient allocation of grant funds.
  • Administrative overhead associated with managing the grant program.
  • The program's effectiveness depends on the quality of the Energy Circuit Riders and their ability to engage with rural communities.
  • Limited funding may not address all the needs of rural communities.
  • Potential for political influence in the grant allocation process.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to appropriate funds for programs that promote the general welfare of the United States. The bill's focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection could be argued to fall under this power. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

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