Energy Subcommittee Markup

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Energy Subcommittee held a markup session on June 25, 2026, to consider eight bills aimed at lowering costs for households, promoting innovation in the electric sector, and ensuring U.S. leadership in AI development. Key procurement-related discussions included legislation to protect electric ratepayers from costs associated with large energy users like AI data centers, improve grid capacity through advanced transmission technologies, and reauthorize pipeline safety programs. Notable bills discussed were the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340), which requires large load customers to cover infrastructure upgrade costs; the High Capacity Grid Act (H.R. 6633), promoting advanced conductors to increase transmission capacity; and the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act (H.R. 9338), providing resources to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The subcommittee passed several bills and amendments, including measures to expedite generator interconnection procedures and enhance load forecasting. Bipartisan cooperation was emphasized, though some concerns were raised about environmental reviews and the scope of criminal penalties related to pipeline interference. Overall, the session focused on legislative steps to modernize the electric grid, manage the impact of growing AI data center demand, and ensure pipeline safety while protecting consumers from undue costs.