H.R.3616 - Reliable Power Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3616, the "Reliable Power Act," aims to ensure the reliable operation of the bulk-power system by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review regulations that may affect it. The bill mandates FERC to assess the long-term ability of the bulk-power system to supply sufficient electric energy and to notify relevant federal agencies if the system is at risk of generation inadequacy. It also requires federal agencies to submit covered agency actions (regulations affecting generation resources) to FERC for review and comment.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase scrutiny of federal regulations that impact the electric grid. This could lead to modifications of regulations to better ensure grid reliability. It also aims to prevent energy supply shortfalls by proactively identifying and addressing potential inadequacies in generation resources.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced grid reliability through proactive assessment and mitigation of potential generation inadequacies.
- Increased coordination among federal agencies, FERC, and the ERO (Electric Reliability Organization).
- Public availability of comments and responses regarding covered agency actions, promoting transparency.
- Potential for more informed regulatory decisions that consider the impact on the bulk-power system.
- Encourages long-term planning and investment in generation resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in the implementation of new regulations due to the review process.
- Increased administrative burden on federal agencies.
- Possible conflicts between agencies regarding the modification of regulations.
- Risk of over-reliance on certain energy sources if reliability is prioritized over other considerations (e.g., environmental impact).
- The definition of 'covered agency action' may be subject to interpretation, leading to disputes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The regulation of the bulk-power system, which often involves the transmission of electricity across state lines, falls under this purview. The bill does not appear to infringe upon 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).