Bill · S. 4337· Senate(119-S-4337)
No Big Fossil Bailouts on Your Power Bill Act
- Introduced
- 4/16/2026
- Last activity
- 4/16/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "No Big Fossil Bailouts on Your Power Bill Act," seeks to amend the Federal Power Act. It places new limitations on the Commission's emergency authority regarding electric generating facilities. The legislation aims to restrict the use of emergency orders to keep fossil fuel-powered plants online. It introduces requirements for public hearings, cost estimates, and consultation with state and local agencies. Additionally, it mandates increased transparency through public online dockets and reports.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates the creation of a public online docket and a publicly available website for emergency order notices and reports.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+6
The bill prohibits emergency orders from delaying the retirement of fossil fuel-powered electric generating facilities.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The Commission is directed to prioritize alternatives that minimize adverse environmental impacts when addressing emergencies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency and Information: The bill requires the Commission to create a public online docket and publish notices, requests, and orders on a publicly available website (Section 2, paragraph (7)(A)). This allows people to stay informed about emergency orders.
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Better Cost Awareness for Consumers: The Commission must now determine and report the extent to which an order will raise rates for ratepayers (Section 2, paragraph (4)(2)(ii)(I)). Furthermore, electric utilities must provide written notice to customers regarding the impacts and expected costs, such as additional fuel, maintenance, capital, or labor (Section 2, paragraph (7)(D)).
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Environmental Protections: The Commission is directed to consider alternatives that minimize adverse environmental impacts when meeting an emergency (Section 2, paragraph (2)).
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Increased Local Accountability: The bill requires the Commission to consult with relevant State and local agencies or regulators in the State and locality where the facility is located (Section s 2, paragraph (4)(2)(iii)(I)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Emergency Response: The bill prohibits the Commission from issuing orders that prevent or delay the retirement of a facility, unless an emergency exists that cannot be met any other way and a Transmission Organization requests the delay in writing (Section 2, paragraph (6)(A) and (B)). This could potentially impact how emergencies are handled if those specific criteria are not met.
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
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+6Improves Environmental Protections+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Increase States Rights+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- 4/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont