Protecting Vulnerable Communities from Energy Cost Hikes and Poverty.
This bill aims to shield low-income, elderly, rural, and minority communities from disproportionate increases in energy costs resulting from federal policies. It mandates that agencies must certify that new energy rules will not cause energy poverty in these vulnerable groups. It also requires comprehensive studies to identify and remove barriers to affordable energy access, particularly concerning infrastructure development on federal and tribal lands.
Key points
Federal agencies must certify that new energy rules (affecting electricity, heating, gas prices) will not lead to energy poverty for at-risk communities.
Restrictions on energy production (oil, gas, coal) on federal lands require a public study proving they won't disproportionately raise costs or cause job losses for vulnerable populations.
The Congressional Budget Office must estimate how proposed legislation will affect energy costs specifically for at-risk communities.
Expired
Citizen Poll