We have received text from S. 3585: Decentralized Access to Technology Alternatives Act of 2026. This bill was received on 2026-01-07, and currently has no cosponsors.
Here is a short summary of the bill:
This proposed legislation is called the Decentralized Access to Technology Alternatives Act of 2026, or the DATA Act of 2026. The bill primarily aims to amend the Federal Power Act to create exemptions for specific types of electric utilities known as consumer-regulated electric utilities (CREUs). Here is a breakdown of what the bill would do:
Definitions
- Consumer-regulated electric utility (CREU): This refers to a new type of electric utility that would be created after the enactment of this Act, specifically established to provide electricity to new electric loads that are not currently being served by any existing electricity retailers. These utilities can generate, transmit, distribute, and sell electricity but must remain independent from existing public utilities and the larger bulk-power system.
Exemptions from Federal Regulation
The bill outlines several specific exemptions for CREUs from federal regulation under the Federal Power Act:
- CREUs would not be subject to rate regulation or corporate oversight.
- They would not have to comply with reliability standards or interconnection requirements.
- They would not participate in regional transmission planning or cost allocation.
- CREUs would not have to apply for approvals related to mergers or acquisitions as typically required under federal law.
Electricity Sales and Operations
CREUs would have the ability to sell electricity directly to eligible customers who are served exclusively through their systems and are physically separated from regulated utilities and larger power grids. They could also construct and operate facilities needed for electricity generation and distribution within public rights-of-way, adhering to the same public safety standards applicable to traditional utilities.
Commencement of Operations
For a CREU to qualify for these exemptions, it must begin operations after the enactment of the act, meaning it must start generating, transmitting, or distributing electricity. If a CREU later decides to connect to the bulk-power system or any other larger electrical network, it would lose its exemptions and become subject to federal regulation.
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) Exemption
- The bill adds a provision to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, clarifying that none of its requirements apply to consumer-regulated electric utilities.
Impact on Public Utility Holding Companies (PUHCA)
Similar to PURPA, the bill modifies the Public Utility Holding Company Act, ensuring that holding companies are not penalized or subjected to regulation solely for owning or controlling a consumer-regulated electric utility.
Facilities and Public Rights-of-Way
Finally, the bill permits CREUs to construct and operate facilities within public rights-of-way but limits the review of applications for such facilities to aspects like right-of-way restoration and planning for storm responses.
Relevant Companies
- None found
Senator Tom Cotton Bill Proposals
Here are some bills which have recently been proposed by Senator Tom Cotton:
- S.3652: A bill to enhance criminal penalties for welfare fraud, to provide adequate immigration consequences for fraud convictions, to establish a welfare fraud recovery task force, and for other purposes.
- S.3645: A bill to improve the efficiency of the removal process by enhancing cooperation between government entities and by expanding the grounds for deportation for any alien to include any felony or any 2 misdemeanors.
- S.3585: A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to exempt consumer-regulated electric utilities from Federal regulation, and for other purposes.
- S.3558: National Guard Protective Zone Act
- S.3507: Put American Students First Act
- S.3488: Asylum Reform and Loophole Closure Act
You can track bills proposed by Senator Tom Cotton on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Cotton.
Senator Tom Cotton Net Worth
Quiver Quantitative estimates that Senator Tom Cotton is worth $676.6K, as of January 30th, 2026. This is the 366th highest net worth in Congress, per our live estimates.
Cotton has approximately $165.1K invested in publicly traded assets which Quiver is able to track live.
You can track Senator Tom Cotton's net worth on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Cotton.
2026 Arkansas US Senate Election
There has been approximately $6,470,336 of spending in Arkansas US Senate elections over the last two years, per our estimates.
Approximately $75,500 of this has been from outside spending by PACs and Super PACs.
The rating for this race is currently "Solid R".
You can track this election on our matchup page for the 2026 Arkansas US Senate election.
This article is not financial advice. See Quiver Quantitative's disclaimers for more information.
