State Energy Accountability Act
Summary
The State Energy Accountability Act amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. It mandates that states evaluate the effects of their intermittent energy policies on the reliability of the electric grid. This includes assessing the adequacy of energy resources, the ability to meet demand during emergencies, and the impact on electricity rates.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would require states to conduct evaluations of their intermittent energy policies. These evaluations must be made publicly available. The goal is to ensure that state energy policies do not compromise the reliability of the electric grid or lead to unreasonable rate increases.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding the impact of state energy policies.
- Potential for more informed decision-making by state regulatory authorities.
- Greater assurance of electric grid reliability.
- Possible mitigation of electricity rate increases related to intermittent energy sources.
- Encourages states to consider a balanced approach to energy policy.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on state regulatory authorities.
- Possible delays in the implementation of renewable energy projects.
- Risk of biased evaluations if conducted without sufficient oversight.
- Potential for conflicting interpretations of "reliable generation facility".
- May face resistance from states with strong commitments to intermittent energy sources.
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. Because energy policy and the reliability of the electric grid can have implications for interstate commerce, Congress may have the authority to enact legislation in this area.
It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting policies that ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
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).