Bill would require states to weigh "reliable" power plants in utility plans
Passed one chamberH.R. 3628Latest action
Sponsor: Gabe Evans · Representative · CO
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 3628 requires state regulators to consider always-on power plants when reviewing utilities' long-term energy plans.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 3628 amends federal law to require state utility regulators to consider "reliable generation facilities" when reviewing utilities' long-term energy plans. It defines these facilities as plants that can run continuously for 30+ days with secured fuel, operate through emergencies or severe weather, and provide grid backup like stable voltage and frequency—criteria that favor coal, gas, or nuclear over wind or solar. States get one year to begin reviewing the standard and two years to decide whether to adopt it, with exemptions for states that already acted. The must also study current utility planning's reliability and cost record within a year.
Who does it affect?
State utility regulators, electric utility companies, and electricity customers are affected, since the standard could shape which power plants utilities plan to build or retain.
Why does it matter?
The bill doesn't set electricity rates or mandate specific plants open or close, but it formally directs states to weigh reliability factors that could favor traditional power sources over weather-dependent ones in future planning decisions.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of Dec 15, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 29, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Dec 15, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 323
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 218
- Nay
- 207
- 0
- 8
Republicans 214 yes, 1 no, 5 not voting · Democrats 4 yes, 206 no, 3 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record