H.R. 4339: Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act
This bill, known as the Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act, aims to create a grant program specifically for territories of the United States to support renewable energy projects. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
Establishment of a Grant Program
- The Secretary of Agriculture is required to establish a renewable energy program within 180 days of the bill's enactment.- The program will award grants to designated organizations (referred to as "covered entities") to facilitate renewable energy projects in U.S. territories.Eligibility for Grants
- Covered entities must submit an application including specific information to be considered for a grant.Uses of Grant Funds
- Grants can be used for various purposes, including: - Developing or constructing renewable energy systems. - Implementing activities to improve energy efficiency. - Establishing energy storage systems related to renewable energy projects. - Developing smart grids or microgrids. - Training local residents to work in renewable energy sectors.- It is important to note that grant funds cannot be used for projects involving fossil fuels or nuclear power.Technical Assistance
- The Secretary of Energy will ensure that national laboratories provide technical assistance to grantees working on projects funded by these grants.Reporting Requirements
- The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress, starting two years after the program's establishment. These reports will include: - The amount of funds disbursed. - Estimates of energy conservation achieved. - Challenges faced in implementing projects. - Recommendations for additional measures to enhance renewable energy use in U.S. territories.GAO Study and Report
- Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Comptroller General of the United States is tasked with conducting a study on renewable energy and energy efficiency in U.S. territories, leading to a report with findings and recommendations.- The study will evaluate the potential for: - Modifying existing electric systems to utilize renewable energy. - Expanding the use of microgrids. - Improving energy resilience.Authorization of Funding
- The bill allows for funding necessary to implement the new grant program and the GAO study, specifying a case where $1.5 million will be allocated for the study.Definitions
- The bill defines key terms such as: - **Covered entity**: Non-profit organizations eligible for grants as per the Secretary of Agriculture's criteria. - **Territory of the United States**: Includes Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. - **Microgrid**: Localized power systems that can operate independently from traditional grids. - **Smart grid**: Advanced electric systems utilizing digital technology for better efficiency and reliability.Relevant Companies
- Nene Technologies, Inc. (NENE): May benefit from increased demand for renewable energy solutions in U.S. territories.
- Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH): Could see growth opportunities from projects developing renewable energy systems.
- SunEdison, Inc. (SUNE): Might be impacted positively by potential partnerships and projects emerging from grant awards.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
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Sponsors
4 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul. 10, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jul. 10, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
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