Bill · S. 2185· Senate(119-S-2185)
Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/26/2025
- Last activity
- 6/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It establishes an energy circuit rider program intended to help rural communities with energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program provides grants to eligible entities so they can hire and train professionals called Energy Circuit Riders. These professionals will assist with energy planning, audits, and finding funding or incentives. The goal is to support projects that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The bill provides direct technical and financial support to improve energy efficiency in rural areas.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+6
The program specifically targets clean energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Does this invest in rural communities?+6
The bill provides specialized technical and financial assistance specifically for rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Technical and Financial Support for Rural Communities: Through the Energy Circuit Rider Program, rural areas can receive professional assistance with energy planning, audits, project financing, and grant writing (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Access to Funding and Incentives: Energy Circuit Riders are trained to help with applicable Federal funding opportunities, tax incentives, and state or local incentives (Section 2(a)(2)). Additionally, they can help entities apply for specific loans and financial assistance (Section 2(d)(2)).
-
Resource Sharing: The Secretary is tasked with facilitating the sharing of best practices among Energy Circuit Riders (Section 2(e)(1)). The Secretary will also work with other Federal agencies to make information about various Federal incentives available to the riders (Section 2(e)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Cost Sharing Requirement: Under this program, the Federal share of the cost for grant activities is capped at 75 percent, meaning eligible entities may be responsible for the remaining portion of the costs (Section 2(c)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Farmers+3Good For Native Americans+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 6/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont