Eight months after being introduced in the House of Representatives, the Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699) has been placed on the Union Calendar, making it eligible for consideration. Introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY), the bill would prohibit states or local governments from themselves prohibiting access to energy services based on the type or source of energy sold in interstate commerce. This bill is in direct response to New York's statewide natural gas ban on most new construction but also answers to other bans across the country, like California's ban on gas-powered vehicles and small engines.

 

Associations across the energy industry have supported the bill, including Clean Fuels Alliance America and the National Energy and Fuels Institute. The National Propane Gas Association affirms, "The Energy Choice Act represents a pivotal legislative initiative that guarantees consumers the ongoing freedom to select their energy solutions, irrespective of their geographic location."

Last summer, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has been reviewed by a string of committees since then. Most recently, it was formally sent, with amendments, by the Committee on Energy and Commerce to the full House chamber for consideration. Now that the bill is on the Union Calendar, it will be debated by the Committee of the Whole and will be eligible for a vote, though a vote is not necessarily guaranteed. The National Association of Home Builders has vocally endorsed this act, sending staff all over Capitol Hill in mid-February to meet with lawmakers and urge that the bill quickly be brought to the House floor for a vote.

LCMP will continue to monitor the bill and report updates.