A Republican bill with 26 Republican cosponsors · See all 26 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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
The Baseload Reliability Protection Act seeks to amend the Federal Power Act to prevent the shutdown of specific power plants. It prohibits the retirement or fuel conversion of baseload electric generating units in areas identified as being at high or elevated risk of electricity supply shortfalls. These high-risk areas are defined by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's assessments. The bill allows for exemptions through a petition process involving the Commission and the Secretary of Energy. It also provides for Department of Energy grants or loans to support the continued operation of these units.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal authority over energy plant retirements and fuel conversions.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill helps prevent electricity supply shortfalls, which protects consumers from energy instability.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Energy operators may receive grants or loans to support their continued operations.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill prohibits certain retirements and fuel conversions, which may hinder the transition away from fossil fuels.
- Scored -5
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill aims to maintain existing generating units, which may include fossil fuel-based sources.
- Scored -4
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The focus on maintaining existing baseload units may divert attention and resources away from renewable energy expansion.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Electricity Supply: By prohibiting the retirement of baseload units in high-risk areas, the bill aims to prevent electricity supply shortfalls (Section 2(a)).
-
Financial Support for Continued Operation: The bill allows the Secretary of Energy to provide grants or loans to operators to help cover the costs of keeping electric generating units running (Section 2(b)(4)(B) and (C)(i)).
-
Modernization and Capacity Upgrades: Loan funds may be used for upgrading the capacity of generating units or modernizing them to extend their lifespan (Section 2(b)(4)(C)(i)(II)).
-
Nuclear Power Support: For nuclear power plants, loan funds may be used specifically for uprating the facility (Section 2(b)(4)(C)(i)(II)(bb)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Burden on Operators: Operators may face unprofitability or sustained financial losses if they are forced to continue operating units they intended to retire (Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
-
Restrictions on Fuel Conversion: The bill prohibits owners from converting the fuel source for covered electric generating units, which limits how these facilities can adapt (Section 2(a)(2)).
-
Requirements for Replacement: If an exemption is granted based on a plan to replace a unit, the operator cannot retire the original unit until the new one is fully in service (Section 2(b)(3)).
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill prohibits certain retirements and fuel conversions, which may hinder the transition away from fossil fuels. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill aims to maintain existing generating units, which may include fossil fuel-based sources. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The focus on maintaining existing baseload units may divert attention and resources away from renewable energy expansion. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — By prioritizing baseload power and limiting fuel conversions, the bill may restrict environmental adaptability.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Energy operators may receive grants or loans to support their continued operations. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Stable energy supplies can help prevent cost spikes caused by shortages. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill aims to maintain grid reliability, which protects against energy-driven economic instability.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill helps prevent electricity supply shortfalls, which protects consumers from energy instability.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal authority over energy plant retirements and fuel conversions. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill imposes federal mandates that restrict how local power plant operators can operate.
- 3/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/8/2025
- 11 Cosponsors added.
- 9/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Rick AllenRepublican · Georgia
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma
Andy BarrRepublican · Kentucky
Troy BaldersonRepublican · Ohio
Michael BaumgartnerRepublican · Washington
Troy DowningRepublican · Montana
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
H. GriffithRepublican · Virginia
Craig GoldmanRepublican · Texas
J. HillRepublican · Arkansas
Erin HouchinRepublican · Indiana
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Dusty JohnsonRepublican · South Dakota
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Carol MillerRepublican · West Virginia
Mary MillerRepublican · Illinois
John McGuireRepublican · Virginia
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
Robert OnderRepublican · Missouri
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio
Jefferson ShreveRepublican · Indiana
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas