A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the DOE Bioenergy Program Reauthorization Act and it updates the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It directs the Department of Energy to run a research, development, and demonstration program focused on bioenergy, biofuels, and renewable chemicals. The legislation sets up process development facilities, incubator funding, and integrated biorefinery demonstration projects. It also creates a university biodiesel program to test diesel electric power generators using high-level biodiesel blends. Finally, the bill authorizes specific funding amounts for these programs from fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031.
Yes· 3 of 21
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The bill authorizes significant funding for Department of Energy research, development, and demonstration programs focused on bioenergy.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill authorizes substantial appropriations for Department of Energy research and development in bioenergy and biotechnology.
- Scored +6
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill integrates agricultural feedstocks and forestry systems into bioenergy production and provides small-scale facilities for agricultural testing.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes billions of dollars in new appropriations for bioenergy programs from fiscal year 2027 through 2031.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 932(b)(5): This provision supports workforce development activities and training to expand opportunities for untapped populations and develop new career pathways. This could help everyday workers get new jobs in the technology and energy sectors.
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Section 932(b)(6): This section requires the Department of Energy to make hiring, funding, and community engagement decisions that benefit all citizens regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or location. This ensures fairer treatment and access for local communities.
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Section 932(c)(2): This part promotes education and workforce development collaboration with historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges and universities. This helps direct resources and educational opportunities to historically underserved schools and students.
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Section 932(d)(1): The Secretary of Energy must support at least four small-scale process development facilities that are geographically and technically diverse. This can help researchers and local agricultural communities test advanced biofuels and biobased products.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 932(i): This section authorizes billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded appropriations spanning from fiscal year 2027 to fiscal year 2031. This places a financial burden on the American people who fund the federal government through their taxes.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill integrates agricultural feedstocks and forestry systems into bioenergy production and provides small-scale facilities for agricultural testing. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Support for agricultural residues, biorefinery siting, and rural community engagement benefits rural areas. Would students be better off under this? — The legislation promotes education and workforce development initiatives across universities and higher education institutions. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The legislation directs educational and workforce collaboration with historically Black colleges and minority-serving institutions. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Collaboration with minority-serving institutions directs program benefits to Hispanic-serving and other diverse institutions. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill mandates collaboration and educational support with Tribal colleges, universities, and Tribal governments. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — New workforce development and training programs create career pathways in the emerging bioeconomy for younger workers. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Workforce initiatives aim to expand opportunities and career pathways for untapped populations.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill authorizes significant funding for Department of Energy research, development, and demonstration programs focused on bioenergy. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The legislation advances research and commercialization of bioenergy, biofuels, and renewable chemicals to displace petroleum. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill supports sustainability research regarding the environmental effects of biomass production and circular bioeconomy tools. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill integrates biomass and bioenergy production into existing agricultural and forestry systems, supporting rural stakeholders. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The legislation encourages the development of petroleum-based feedstock substitutes and advanced biofuels.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes substantial appropriations for Department of Energy research and development in bioenergy and biotechnology. Does this put more money into public schools? — The program directs education and workforce development activities to institutions of higher education, including HBCUs and Tribal colleges.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The legislation invests in the bioeconomy, renewable chemicals, and biorefinery commercial applications to stimulate industrial activity. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The program assists researchers, industry, and agricultural communities in de-risking advanced bioenergy technologies. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports workforce development activities and training to expand career opportunities in the bioenergy sector. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes billions of dollars in new appropriations for bioenergy programs from fiscal year 2027 through 2031.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill directs hiring, funding, and education collaboration toward historically Black colleges and minority-serving institutions. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Workforce development initiatives and training create new career pathways for untapped populations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires strategic plans and regular public and congressional reports on research findings and program progress.
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina