Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
February 09, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the bipartisan Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act. This bill would allow businesses impacted by federally declared disasters to transfer select general business credit carry forwards to future years. Rep. Steube’s bill serves as a House companion to legislation introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
“Natural disasters and emergencies often complicate the delivery of public utilities including electricity,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill would increase financial flexibility and savings for producers and customers alike by making the tax code more responsive to on the ground needs of Americans living in disaster zones. From reducing the cost of storm restoration efforts to guaranteeing market liquidity in disaster areas, the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act will better prepare Florida for the next hurricane season.”
Joining Rep. Steube on this bill are Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.).
“After devastating hurricanes like Helene and Milton, Florida families are trying to rebuild, and high power bills are the last thing they need,” said Rep. Buchanan. “The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act gives electric utilities the flexibility they need to restore service faster following major disasters while passing savings on to consumers. By allowing electric utilities in disaster zones to transfer existing tax credits, this bill frees up capital to invest in recovery and repair damaged energy infrastructure. Our bill helps communities recover stronger and prepares Florida for the next hurricane season.”
“Eastern North Carolina is all too familiar with how devastating natural disasters can be and the damage they cause,” said Rep. Murphy. “The bipartisan Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act provides those in disaster areas with much-needed financial flexibility under these tragic circumstances. A special thanks to Congressman Steube for introducing this bill, which will help those in Eastern North Carolina and around the country, and for his continued advocacy for disaster victims.”
“We in Alabama are no strangers to severe weather,” said Rep. Sewell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Steube on this bipartisan legislation which would provide critical tax relief to businesses impacted by natural disasters.”
“The Pacific Northwest knows how devastating natural disasters can be for families and local economies,” said Rep. DelBene. “The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act will help support communities recovering from floods, storms, and other extreme weather events. It would allow utilities to use their tax credits from previous years to invest in repairing and strengthening energy infrastructure. This means communities would be better equipped to manage and reduce the damage from future disasters.”
Background: The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act would amend Section 6418 of the tax code to permit eligible companies to transfer all or a portion of business credit carryforward related to credits listed in subsection (f)(1)(A)(ii) and (ix). This would apply only to businesses in federally declared disaster zones.
Read the full bill text here.