Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07):

 

“I am saddened by the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Raúl was a fierce advocate, a compassionate leader, and a true champion for the people. His unwavering commitment to justice, from protecting our environment to fighting for immigrant families, affordable health care, and the rights of tribal communities, has left an indelible mark on Congress and the nation.

Raúl’s career was defined by courage and conviction. From his early days as a community organizer in Tucson to his decades of service on Capitol Hill, he never stopped fighting for those without a voice. As Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, he led the charge to protect our nation’s natural treasures, ensuring that future generations would benefit from his leadership and vision.

I will miss his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his staff, and the people of Arizona as they mourn this tremendous loss. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15), introduced the bipartisan National STEM Week Act. The bill would create an annual week dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education access and interest, especially among communities with limited access to educational resources.

“Ohio is the heart of American innovation and home to brilliant young scholars and budding STEM leaders,” Congresswoman Beatty said. “From elementary school students discovering the wonders of the galaxy to scientists making our world safer, strong STEM education fuels the next generation of innovators. Establishing a National STEM Week will empower future leaders and help level the playing field so that every student, regardless of their background or where they live, has opportunities to succeed in the STEM space.”

“As Ohio grows as a national leader in STEM jobs, it is all the more important to recognize the role that STEM education plays in equipping our students with the skills they need for career opportunities of the future,” Rep. Carey said. “Science, technology, engineering, and math learning can inspire new curiosities, a lifelong passion, and a successful career. It acts as the bridge from taking an idea to a real, tangible thing. A National STEM Week will help emphasize the value of these subjects to students, no matter their background, and help parents, family, and teachers encourage student success from an early age.” 

 

“The National STEM Week Act is a pivotal step in ensuring that students across the country not only learn STEM but experience it in ways that prepare them for the real world. Science, technology, engineering, and math are the foundation of every major industry, from agriculture to aerospace, microbiology to medicine, energy to the environment, and this initiative strengthens the pipeline between education and workforce readiness,” Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), said. “At COSI, we believe that hands-on STEM learning is the key to empowering the next generation of innovators and inventors, and we are proud to support this national effort to connect students with the careers of tomorrow.”

 

BACKGROUND:

The National STEM Week Act aims to promote STEM education and careers among all students regardless of their geographic or socio-economic status, through stakeholder and local collaboration, and encourage families, teachers and industry leaders to participate in students’ STEM education.

 

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

 

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congresswoman Beatty released the following statement regarding President Trump’s unlawful Executive Order to drastically cut resources from the Department of Education:

 

“The Department of Education has long stood as a pillar of opportunity for students across Ohio and the nation, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can access and pursue high-quality education,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “While President Trump’s executive order will hurt students and teachers in every district, its impacts will disproportionately be felt among veterans, low-income students, and children with disabilities.”

 

“I know firsthand how access to a quality public education and federal financial aid can change lives. My brother and I were the first in our family to graduate college, and that was made possible by the federal support provided to our public schools and the federal resources that helped us fund our higher education. These critical resources should be available to help each and every student reach their full potential.”

 

“President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education puts access to these educational opportunities — and the jobs of our hardworking educators — at risk. In Central Ohio, federal funding for public education is helping to close literacy gaps, provide an equitable education to students with disabilities, and make sure homeless and low-income students have the necessary supports to help them succeed. It is also opening doors for those seeking higher education, including the nearly 1.8 million Ohioans, who rely on federal student loans to chase their academic dreams.”

 

“Let me be clear – this executive order is an attack on the fundamental promise of the American dream. It will worsen achievement gaps, reduce career and technical education opportunities that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and put higher education out of reach for working families. I stand with students, parents, educators, and my Democratic colleagues in Congress to oppose this reckless move and ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education.”

 

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have advocated for expanding Pell Grants, increasing investments in Ohio’s public schools, supporting teachers, and boosting STEM education programs to prepare Ohio’s next generation of leaders.”

 

“I will continue to fight back against any attempt to undermine our children’s future.”

 

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Medicaid Day of Action, Congresswoman Beatty released the following statement regarding Republican efforts to rip health care away from millions of Americans by slashing the Medicaid program:

 

“It is shameful that Republicans want to put the health care of more than 80 million Americans —including 21% of Ohioans —who get their coverage through Medicaid, on the chopping block so that they can give huge tax breaks to wealthy donors and big corporations,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “In Ohio, Medicaid funds coverage to keep pregnant moms and their newborns healthy; allow children with disabilities to access home-based and community-based services; ensure access to lifesaving preventive care like mammograms; and provide care for seniors who live in nursing facilities. These are your kids’ teachers, your neighbors, your friends and loved ones — the very lifeblood of our Columbus communities.”

 

“Medicaid quite literally saves lives. But Congressional Republicans are still willing to put their extreme political agenda over the health and livelihoods of hardworking American families.” 

 

“House Democrats stand with Medicaid and we stand with you. We will fight back against Donald Trump and Republicans’ efforts to take away critical access to care and drive up health care costs for the American people.”

 

“It’s time for each of us to make our voices heard loud and clear. Talk to your neighbors. Spread the word about the impact of Republicans’ disastrous budget proposal. Let all of your elected representatives know where you stand. Demand they protect your health care, stand up against partisan greed, and DEFEND MEDICAID.”

 

Next week, Congresswoman Beatty will host a virtual information session for constituents of Ohio’s Third Congressional District, to talk about the Republican-led attempts to cut Medicaid. Please submit your questions, concerns, and testimonies about Medicaid HERE. More information to come.

 

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty led a letter with Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Shontel Brown (OH-11), and 21 other Members of Congress urging the Trump administration to reverse its recent announcement to shut down six regional offices in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of General Counsel. The Region V Office, which would be closed, serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

 

The Office of General Counsel protects patients from fraud and bad actors. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Office returned more than $3.4 billion to the federal government and individuals from civil health care fraud settlements and judgments.

 

“The planned shutdown of more than half of the regional offices would leave only four offices to serve a country of over 330 million people and directly undermine HHS’s capacity to improve America’s health and effectively safeguard taxpayer dollars,” members wrote in the letter. “In addition to being a shortsighted effort that will severely hinder HHS’s ability to fulfill its mission, the planned office closures stand in direct opposition to the Trump Administration’s purported focus on combating ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’

 

“We therefore urge you to reconsider this plan to shutter vital regional offices, including the Region V office in Chicago, and instead work towards ensuring all offices remain fully operational and adequately resourced to do their jobs,” members continued in the letter. “The American people deserve better than this. If you are truly committed to improving the efficiency of our health care system, making America healthy, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, we hope you will prioritize the enforcement of our nation’s health laws and the standards that help ensure the safety and dignity of our nation’s most vulnerable.”

 

Read the full letter here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, RSC House Energy Action Team (HEAT) Chairman Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12) released the following statement after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans for the agency to reconsider numerous EPA regulations:

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA is taking desperately needed action to end the disastrous ‘Green New Deal’ and restore common sense to the agency’s regulatory regime. From revising the ‘Waters of the United States’ rule to overhauling the Biden administration’s most egregious regulations such as the electric vehicle mandate and ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0,’ the EPA is putting our country on the path to energy dominance and economic prosperity, all while ensuring America remains blessed with clean air and water.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Troy Balderson (OH-12) and Michael Rulli (OH-6), along with Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), introduced legislation today to block a Biden Administration decision that would expose Ohio businesses to frivolous environmental lawsuits.

Ohio’s nuisance rule was originally put in place in the 1970s following the passage of the Clean Air Act as part of the state’s plan to enforce compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Specifically, the rule allows private citizens to sue companies they believe are not in compliance if state and federal regulatory agencies fail to act.

In 2020, the Trump Administration correctly removed Ohio’s nuisance rule from the state’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined it was unnecessary for the state to meet federally mandated air quality standards. The EPA had ample precedent for this decision, having removed similar nuisance provisions in other states, including California, Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.

On one of his final days in office, President Biden’s EPA moved to reinstate the rule. This legislation would rescind the rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.

“President Biden’s eleventh-hour effort to reinstate the air nuisance rule as part of Ohio’s SIP was done solely to empower radical environmental activists as he walked out the door,” said Balderson. “This rule does nothing to enhance environmental protections or safeguard the health and well-being of Ohioans. Instead, it will allow Ohio businesses to be bogged down with frivolous litigation, discouraging investment in our state and driving quality jobs elsewhere. With over 686,000 employees and $52.6 billion in goods produced in 2023, Ohio’s manufacturing sector would be especially vulnerable these weaponized lawsuits. I’d like to thank Congressman Rulli, Senators Husted and Moreno, and my fellow members of the Ohio delegation for joining this effort to stand up for Ohio workers and businesses.”

“One of the Biden administration’s last acts was to punish Ohio by making our businesses targets for lawsuits that the EPA has explicitly barred in other states,” said Husted. “I’ve introduced a resolution to reverse this bad-faith policy because it hurts Ohioans and does nothing to improve our air quality.”

“We cannot allow attorneys and environmental advocacy groups to dictate federal policy at the expense of Ohio’s economy and workforce,” said Rulli. “That’s why we must utilize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to dismantle this egregious rule. This isn’t just about regulatory overreach, it’s about protecting Ohio jobs, businesses, and our state’s right to manage its own environmental policies without unnecessary federal interference. I want to thank Congressman Balderson for standing with me in this fight to push back against harmful federal overreach.”

“Joe Biden spent four years trying to turn Ohio into California by mandating outrageous new environmental standards that would stifle businesses and kill jobs,” said Moreno. “I’m proud to join Senator Husted in beginning to roll back the Biden EPA’s egregious behavior.”

“The joint CRA introduced today to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to reinstate Ohio’s nuisance rule is a move to return Ohio’s regulatory environment to one of consistency and fairness, allowing Ohio to continue to manage its own policies without federal overreach,” said Ryan Augsburger, President of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “The reversal by the Biden administration on Ohio’s nuisance rule at the eleventh hour made Ohio an outlier, giving our state inconsistent treatment under the Clean Air Act and exposing our manufacturers to an unprecedented wave of costly federal lawsuits. The OMA thanks you for your leadership in ensuring that Ohio’s businesses are not unfairly burdened by federal overreach.”

“We commend Congressman Balderson and our Ohio congressional leaders for pushing back on the previous administration’s last-minute decision to reinstate the nuisance rule,” said Jenn Klein, President of the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC). “This rule has been repeatedly struck down in other states for good reason. By acting swiftly, our leaders in Congress are helping Ohio businesses continue to grow and thrive.”

“ACC and our members would like to thank Senators Moreno and Husted and Congressmen Balderson and Rulli for their hard work to overturn EPA’s decision to reestablish Ohio’s nuisance rule,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “As the 4th largest manufacturing industry in Ohio and providing more than 40,000 direct jobs, we are vital to the state’s economy.  Burdensome regulations on the state and federal level can greatly impact our industry’s ability to operate and grow facilities and continue to provide high-paying jobs.  It is not lost on ACC that Ohio was singled out by the previous administration’s EPA, providing regulatory relief to other states while attacking Ohio businesses.  Our members believe in being good stewards to the environment and human health, which is why ACC has implemented and continued to work on our Responsible Care program, resulting in a reduction in Tier 1 process safety events by 19% in the last year.  We urge the Congress and Senate to quickly act on this CRA to ensure Ohio businesses are not unfairly subjected to this additional regulation.”

The Biden Administration’s reinstatement of the rule now permits litigation to take place in federal court, allowing the plaintiffs’ attorneys to recoup fees that they would not otherwise be able to in state court.

Additional House co-sponsors include Representatives Bob Latta (OH-5), Mike Turner (OH-10), Jim Jordan (OH-4), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Warren Davidson (OH-8), Mike Carey (OH-15), Max Miller (OH-7), and Dave Taylor (OH-2).

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce has also urged for the immediate rescission of the Ohio nuisance rule.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) led his House colleagues in introducing legislation to nullify Biden-era regulations that would send America’s most critical power plants into early retirement.

The “Clean Power Plan 2.0,” finalized in May 2024, imposes impossible-to-meet emissions requirements on existing coal-fired and newly constructed natural gas-fired power plants. If left in place, this rule will lead to the premature retirement of power plants that generate the reliable power American families and businesses rely upon.

Balderson, Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), is joined by Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-6) of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) in introducing this legislation.

“The ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’ was the flagship initiative of the Biden-led EPA that, if fully implemented, would destabilize our electric grid and weaken American energy security,” said Balderson. “Forcing the premature retirement of our most reliable power plants is exceptionally shortsighted when it comes to addressing the long-term reliability of our electric grid. Ohio and the rest of the nation are in the middle of a historic surge in power demand. Nullifying the Biden Administration’s disastrous Clean Power Plan 2.0 will ensure that the lights stay on and the American economy keeps humming.”

“The EPA’s ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’ is one of the most reckless regulations stemming from the Biden administration’s war on energy,” said Chairman Pfluger.  “After years of rising energy costs, and with energy demand projected to reach record highs, the last thing our country can afford is the EPA’s dangerous attempt to shut down reliable power plants.  I applaud Rep. Balderson for introducing this important legislation and for his leadership in advancing policies that will ensure America can grow through abundant, reliable power.”

As electricity demand continues to grow at historic levels, grid operators warn that baseload power generation may struggle to keep pace in the coming years. For example, central Ohio is projected to double its electricity demand between 2018 and 2028. If left in place, energy experts warn that our electric grid will fall short and not meet future American demand for power.

Balderson previously introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act in June 2024 to block the EPA rule. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.

President Trump and his administration have indicated they are actively working to reverse the Biden power plant rule. This legislation supports the Trump Administration’s actions and efforts to protect American baseload power production.

Additional House co-sponsors include Representatives Bob Latta (OH-5), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Rick Allen (GA-12), Randy Weber (TX-14), Carol Miller (WV-1), Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Ryan Zinke (MT-1). Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Troy Balderson (OH-12) reintroduced legislation today that would enable grid operators to expedite consideration of power generation projects that improve the reliability of the electric grid. U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced identical legislation in the Senate.

The Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable (GRID) Power Act would allow certain projects, at the request of the grid operator, to bypass the overwhelmed interconnection queue. In 2023, the median wait time grew to five years, delaying critical projects from being built and connected to the grid.

“Our interconnection queue is buckling under its own weight,” said Balderson. “Transmission providers are tasked with ensuring we have enough electricity to keep the lights on, but the growing backlog of projects is adding years to an already time-consuming process. This legislation would give grid operators the authority to identify and expedite the consideration of essential projects that will protect our grid’s reliability and provide the power needed to meet America’s growing demand.”

“The reliability of the electric grid has been undermined for years by Green New Deal policies advanced under the Obama and Biden administrations, whose heavy-handed approach to regulation has forced the retirement of critically-needed baseload power plants. The result is an unstable grid, power shortages and more brownouts and blackouts,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our legislation seeks to reverse this trend by empowering grid operators to put baseload power generation projects at the front of the line for approval. Further, it sets deadlines for FERC, requiring the agency to promptly set up this priority approval process and to start acting on baseload power projects. Doing so will enhance our nation’s energy security and help ensure the power stays on when needed most.”

“Bureaucratic delays are slowing critical power projects and threatening the reliability of our electric grid,” said Senator Young. “We need to cut through red tape to get more power online faster. This bill will strengthen our grid to promote American energy independence and drive economic growth—especially in states like Indiana, where reliable energy is vital to jobs and Hoosier workers.”

The The interconnection queue has become inundated with proposed projects seeking to capitalize on the Biden Administration’s taxpayer-funded “green” energy credits. These projects, which now make up 97% of all projects in the queue, tend to be weather-dependent and cannot be dispatched at a moment’s notice to meet consumer energy needs. As power demand in Ohio and across the nation grows at a historic pace, the grid will require more dispatchable baseload energy to avoid rolling blackouts and power shortages.

The previous Administration issued new rules, such as the Clean Power Plan 2.0, in an attempt to accelerate the retirement of American power plants currently responsible for providing much of the United States’ baseload power. The GRID Power Act would bring more baseload power generation online in a timely manner, leading to the long-term stability of the American electric grid.

“Significant increases in electricity demand are expected in every region of the country, driven by data centers powering advancements in AI, domestic manufacturing, and the electrification of various sectors of the economy,” said Todd Snitcher, President & CEO of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA). “Grid operators should be given significant flexibility to address current or future reliability concerns, including the creation of an accelerated interconnection for resources identified as critical to maintaining reliability. The bill appropriately requires stakeholder feedback and FERC approval before any changes are made, ensuring that all viewpoints are heard. EPSA is grateful to Congressman Balderson and Senators Hoeven and Young for their leadership on this critical issue and their commitment to electric grid reliability.”

“AXPC applauds Congressman Balderson, Senator Hoeven, and Senator Young’s efforts to prioritize projects that enhance grid reliability and capacity,” said Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC). “As our nation’s power demand continues to rise, it is critical that we don’t delay consideration of power-generation projects, such as those that use natural gas, that can provide needed dispatchable power and enhance reliability.”

“We applaud Congressman Balderson for the GRID Power Act and for pushing reforms and finding solutions to ensure a strong energy future,” said Rob Brundrett, President of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA). “This legislation will benefit Ohio’s energy consumers and help stabilize our energy grid. OOGA strongly supports Congressman Balderson’s efforts to prioritize reliable, abundant and easily dispatchable natural gas to power our homes and businesses by bringing innovative ideas to the queue reform process.”

“Electrical grid reliability is a critical issue for Ohio’s economy, especially as we emphasize advanced manufacturing and energy-intensive advancements in technology,” said Ohio Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Stivers. “Legislation like the GRID Power Act will serve to expedite power generation projects that can improve the resilience and reliability of energy supply for the economy of the 21st Century. We thank Congressman Balderson for his leadership in addressing the critical energy needs of American businesses and consumers, and look forward to working with him to advance this common-sense proposal.”

“As the debate over generation adequacy continues within the 13-state grid region served by PJM Interconnection, Ohio manufacturers believe competitive markets will best respond to future load growth and demand,” said Ryan Augsburger, President of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “OMA supports queue reform to more quickly and efficiently interconnect generating resources to the grid.  Representative Balderson’s bill is a good first step toward reform.”

The GRID Power Act

The GRID Power Act directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to develop rules that authorize grid operators–Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs)–to “fast-track” critical projects that ensure grid reliability and meet growing power demands by allowing them to bypass the years-long wait in the interconnection queue.

Under the legislation, grid operators would still be required to conduct feasibility and system impact studies on the generation projects before signing an interconnection agreement. The bill also promotes transparency by requiring the operators to provide a process for public comment and stakeholder engagement before submitting proposals to FERC and requires operators to provide regular reports on the state of grid reliability to FERC. This legislation empowers grid operators to accelerate projects that:

• Provide new dispatchable power and improve grid reliability and resource adequacy;
• Address power shortages caused by retiring or offline dispatchable power; and/or
• Support increased power demand.

FERC would be required to review and approve “fast-track” proposals within 60 days, potentially reducing the total time to approve these projects from years to just 12 months. Upon enactment, this legislation would require FERC to start the rulemaking process for this mechanism within 90 days of the bill’s enactment and finalize the rules within 180 days.

Full text of the GRID Power Act can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

This article was originally published by Axios Pro.

By Daniel Moore

Rep. Troy Balderson is reintroducing legislation to expedite the building of power plants stuck in a grid backlog — this time with a Senate companion and a supportive FERC chairman.

Why it matters: Balderson’s teaming with Sens. John Hoeven and Todd Young on the Grid Power Act reflects a serious Republican push to grow the country’s power supply.

• The bill is in line with Trump’s support of fossil fuels and nuclear plants to meet growing demand from data centers.

Zoom in: The bill would require FERC to initiate a rulemaking to put a priority on “dispatchable” power plants — a term that generally excludes intermittent wind and solar.

• Fast-tracked projects would be approved to connect to the grid within one year, down from current wait times of five years, Balderson said.

• Grid operators would be allowed to speed up plants “capable of providing known and forecastable electric supply in time intervals necessary to ensure grid reliability,” according to the bill.

• The bill seeks to reverse “‘Green New Deal policies advanced under the Obama and Biden administrations” that led to the closure of baseload power like coal and nuclear plants, Hoeven said in a statement to Axios.

Mark Christie, whom Trump named FERC chairman last month, has expressed support for the idea.

Friction point: Renewable developers have cautioned against allowing certain projects to skip the line, pressing instead for changes that lower wait times for all power projects.

• FERC finalized a widely supported rule in 2023 that imposed penalties on developers for withdrawing projects and on transmission providers for not meeting certain deadlines.

The big picture: Roughly 2,600 gigawatts of project proposals — more than twice the power capacity currently supplying the grid — were in the interconnection queue at the end of 2023, DOE estimated.

• About 95% of the proposed projects were solar, wind and battery storage.

What they’re saying: The interconnection queue is a “logjam of renewable projects,” Balderson told Axios ahead of the reintroduction.

• “Those projects can still apply, they can still get in the queue.… But you’ve got to have something that’s going to get authorized, get through the queue and get the power.”

• Balderson said he’s been in touch with Christie and plans to move the bill this session.

Click here to read the original article published by Axios Pro.