H.R.1453 - Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1453, the Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act of 2025, aims to enhance transparency and oversight of clean energy demonstration projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill mandates the Secretary to submit semi-annual reports to specific congressional committees and make them publicly available online. These reports must include copies of initial contracts, lists of milestones achieved or missed, and details of any material modifications to the projects.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase public awareness and congressional oversight of clean energy projects. This could lead to more efficient project management and greater accountability for the use of public funds. It may also streamline reporting processes by synchronizing them with existing requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government spending on clean energy.
- Improved accountability for project milestones and outcomes.
- Better-informed decision-making by Congress and the public regarding clean energy investments.
- Potential for more efficient project management due to increased oversight.
- Streamlined reporting processes for the Secretary.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on the Secretary to prepare and disseminate the reports.
- Potential for delays in project implementation due to increased scrutiny.
- Risk of sensitive information being disclosed publicly, potentially harming competitive advantages.
- Possible politicization of project reporting, leading to biased or incomplete information.
- The act does not address the effectiveness of the underlying clean energy projects themselves, only the reporting on them.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principle of government transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on representative democracy. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money, supports the idea of transparency in government spending. The bill's reporting requirements also facilitate Congress's oversight role, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to appropriate funds and oversee their use.
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).