Bill · S. 4735· Senate(119-S-4735)
Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/10/2026
- Last activity
- 6/10/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act of 2026" updates the Natural Gas Act to change how the public interest is determined for natural gas imports and exports. It requires the Commission to consider environmental impacts and affordability. Specifically, activities that increase U.S. household or industry gas prices, increase greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3), or supply energy to "countries of concern" are deemed not consistent with the public interest. The bill defines countries of concern as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and others identified by the government. The Commission must create regulations for these determinations within 30 days of the Act's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 29
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+8
The bill deems activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) as not consistent with the public interest.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+7
Directly aims to prevent price increases for households, which disproportionately affects low-income families.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
It mandates that the Commission consider environmental impacts when approving natural gas imports and exports.
The opposite
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-3
The bill limits the export of natural gas to certain countries, potentially restricting trade opportunities.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-2
May negatively impact investors in the natural gas export industry.
Would billionaires be better off under this?-2
May reduce profits for energy sector magnates due to export restrictions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Energy Costs: The bill states that increasing the price of natural gas for households or industries in the United States is not consistent with the public interest (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i)).
-
Environmental Protections: The Commission must consider environmental impacts and specifically find that increasing greenhouse gas emissions, including scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, is not consistent with the public interest (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(i) and (B)(ii)).
-
National Security: The bill prevents the supply of energy to "countries of concern," which include Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, as this is not consistent with the public interest (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(iii) and (c)(1)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
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 Low Income Households+7Good For Middle Class Households+6Good For Retirees+6Good For Seniors+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers+4Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Asian Americans+3Good For High Income Households+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For White Americans+3Good For Children+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Billionaires-2Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+8Improves Environmental Protections+7Reduces Gas Prices+6Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+4Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Reduces Inflation+4Improves Small Business Support+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4Improves Government Transparency+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 6/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Introduced in Senate