Bill · H.R. 9945· House(119-HR-9945)
Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2026
- Last activity
- 7/23/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- George Whitesides
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act," aims to speed up the modernization of the national electric grid by supporting advanced conductors and related systems. It allows transmission providers to conduct studies to evaluate the economic and reliability benefits of right-of-way optimization or reconductoring projects. The legislation establishes specific technical definitions for advanced conductors and provides for the publication of aggregated performance data and project listings. It also streamlines the environmental review process by treating certain covered projects as categorical exclusions under NEPA. Additionally, the bill amends the tax code to include "high-performance transmission property" in various clean electricity investment credits.
Yes· 3 of 19
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+3
The bill provides significant tax credits to encourage investments in high-performance transmission infrastructure.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
Reliable energy infrastructure is critical for business operations and industrial growth.
Is this likely to create jobs?+2
The expansion of tax credits for high-performance transmission property may stimulate jobs in the energy and construction sectors.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
The bill streamlines environmental reviews through categorical exclusions, which may reduce scrutiny of certain energy projects.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-1
Streamlining environmental reviews may reduce the opportunities for public comment and due process in project approvals.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Grid Reliability and Economic Benefits: Transmission providers may conduct studies to evaluate how optimization or reconductoring projects can address congestion, capacity constraints, and reliability risks (Section 3(a)).
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Increased Resilience: Studies are required to consider risks from natural hazards and extreme weather, such as wildfires, heat, storms, or icing (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Streamlined Project Approvals: Certain covered projects may be deemed a categorical exclusion under NEPA, which can expedite the issuance of Federal permits or approvals (Section 5(a)).
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Financial Incentives for Modernization: The bill adds "high-performance transmission property" to the clean electricity investment credit, offering a base rate of 6 percent or an alternative rate of 30 percent for certain properties (Section 6(b)).
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Increased Support for Specific Communities: Tax credits for high-performance transmission property can be increased in energy communities and in cases involving domestic content (Section 6(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Environmental Review Exceptions: The bill allows for the possibility of widening an existing right-of-way to meet electrical standards, which may extend into areas beyond previously developed lands (Section 5(b)(3)).
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Environmental Review Changes: Federal permits or approvals for covered projects may be deemed a categorical exclusion under NEPA unless extraordinary circumstances are determined by the Secretary or a relevant agency head (Section 5(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Farmers+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Union Workers+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2Improves Consumer Protection+1Reduces Inflation+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+3Reduces Carbon Emissions+2Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+1Improves Rural Development+1Improves Environmental Protections-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Improves Interstate Commerce+1Increases Federal Power+1Improves Due Process-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+1
- 7/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Sean CastenDemocrat · Illinois
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina