Bill · S. 3947· Senate(119-S-3947)
REWIRE Act
- Introduced
- 2/26/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-366.
- Sponsored by
- David McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The REWIRE Act aims to amend the Federal Power Act to increase electric grid capacity. It establishes a categorical exclusion from environmental assessments for grid capacity projects located within existing rights-of-way or on previously disturbed land. The bill directs the Commission to improve the return on equity for investments in advanced transmission conductors. It also expands the scope of State energy programs to include reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies. Additionally, the Secretary of Energy is tasked with creating a modeling and evaluation program for the electric grid through National Laboratories. Finally, the Act requires the creation of an application guide and a technical assistance clearinghouse for advanced transmission technologies.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
Upgrading the grid with advanced conductors and technology facilitates the integration of renewable energy.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill supports workforce development through regional collaboratives between National Laboratories and higher education.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+3
Enhanced grid capacity and efficiency are key components for transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The bill establishes categorical exclusions from environmental assessments for certain grid projects.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Easier Grid Upgrades: By establishing a categorical exclusion, the bill allows for easier repair, maintenance, upgrades, and the addition of energy storage within existing rights-of-way without the need for an environmental assessment or impact statement (Section 3).
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Improved Investment in Technology: The bill directs the Commission to improve the return on equity for investments specifically in advanced transmission conductors (Section 4).
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Better Grid Planning: The creation of a National Laboratory modeling program will allow for the evaluation of grid performance, including the impact of weather, congestion, and thermal overload (Section 6).
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Support for Workforce and Research: The establishment of regional collaboratives between National Laboratories and higher education institutions is intended to support technology validation, industry engagement, and workforce development (Section 6).
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Access to Technical Resources: The Secretary will provide an application guide and a clearinghouse of completed projects to help entities implement advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Rate Changes: While the bill mandates that the Commission ensure rates are just and reasonable, it also directs the Commission to revise rules to improve the return on equity for investments in advanced transmission conductors (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Economic Growth+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Reduces Carbon Emissions+3Improves Rural Development+2Improves Environmental Protections-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Students+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+2
- 4/15/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-366.
- 2/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont