Stop the Trump Electricity Price Hikes Act
Summary
The "Stop the Trump Electricity Price Hikes Act" aims to reinstate all financial assistance awards terminated by the Department of Energy (DOE) under a Secretarial Memorandum issued on May 15, 2025. The bill seeks to reverse the DOE's decision and ensure that the terminated awards continue as if the terminations never occurred. This action would impact various energy-related projects and initiatives that had previously received DOE funding.
The bill is presented as a measure to prevent electricity price increases, implying that the terminated awards were intended to support projects that would keep energy costs down. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The key provision of the bill is the immediate reinstatement of all terminated financial assistance awards, overriding any other conflicting laws or regulations.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would restore funding to projects previously supported by the DOE, potentially impacting energy production, research, and infrastructure. This could lead to a continuation of these projects and their intended outcomes, such as promoting renewable energy or improving energy efficiency.
The immediate effect would be the reversal of the DOE's prior decision to terminate these awards. The long-term effects would depend on the nature and success of the reinstated projects.
Potential Benefits
- Reinstatement of funding for potentially beneficial energy projects.
- Possible stabilization or reduction of electricity prices, as suggested by the bill's title.
- Support for research and development in the energy sector.
- Continued operation of energy-related programs and initiatives.
- Potential for job creation or preservation in the energy sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential continuation of projects that may not be economically viable or environmentally sound.
- Possible conflict with the current administration's energy policies.
- Lack of transparency regarding the reasons for the initial termination of the awards.
- Potential for misuse or mismanagement of reinstated funds.
- Possible increase in the national debt if the funding is not offset by other savings.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to appropriate funds and legislate on matters related to energy and commerce, as granted by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. However, the constitutionality of overriding executive branch decisions through legislation could be debated, depending on the specific reasons for the initial termination of the awards and the scope of executive authority in those matters.
Furthermore, if the terminated awards were related to specific states, this could implicate federalism concerns. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).