Bill · S. 3976· Senate(119-S-3976)
Connect the Grid Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/3/2026
- Last activity
- 3/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Connect the Grid Act of 2026," aims to interconnect the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) with its neighboring power grids. It amends the Federal Power Act to remove certain exemptions currently held by ERCOT, bringing it under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The legislation mandates the creation of new reliability standards to ensure minimum energy transfer capabilities between ERCOT and several other regions. To achieve this, entities must submit plans for new or modified transmission facilities by early 2035. The bill also increases borrowing authority for the Transmission Facilitation Program. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Energy to study the benefits of interconnecting facilities with Mexico.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+6
The bill mandates transmission expansion specifically to increase renewable energy access.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+5
The bill expands access to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill requires meaningful community involvement and outreach to Tribal and Indigenous communities.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill reduces the autonomy of the Texas-based ERCOT by bringing it under federal regulatory authority.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Energy Transfer Capabilities: The bill requires the establishment of minimum total transfer capabilities between ERCOT and SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Environmental Land Use: Transmission projects are encouraged to use degraded land, such as brownfield sites, landfills, and abandoned mine lands (Section 4(b)(3)(C)).
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Renewable Energy Access: The plan for new transmission must be done in a manner that expands access to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal (Section 4(b)(3)(D)).
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Community Inclusion: The bill prioritizes meaningful community involvement, specifically requiring outreach to environmental justice communities, Tribal and Indigenous communities, and Tribal governments (Section 4(b)(3)(E)).
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Support for Working Families: The legislation prioritizes the use of registered apprenticeship programs and prevailing wages (Section 4(b)(3)(F)).
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Accessibility of Public Meetings: Outreach to environmental justice communities must include planning meetings held at times and places that maximize attendance, including providing translation and interpreting services (Section 4(b)(3)(E)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Regulatory Burden on Entities: The bill mandates that various entities must jointly submit plans for siting and constructing or modifying transmission facilities within one year of enactment (Section 4(b)(2)(B)).
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Strict Compliance Deadlines: Entities are required to complete the siting and construction or modification of transmission facilities by January 1, 2035 (Section 4(b)(2)(B)(ii)).
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
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Union Workers+5Good For Low Income Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+3Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Interstate Commerce+2Increase States Rights-5
- 3/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon