A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 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 Rail and Highway Transmission Planning Act directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on using highway and rail rights-of-way for high-voltage transmission infrastructure. This study aims to identify opportunities to co-locate these projects within existing transportation corridors. The goal is to accelerate the development of infrastructure to alleviate energy capacity constraints. It also seeks to deliver more affordable and reliable electricity to consumers. The Secretary will evaluate technical feasibility, costs, benefits, and potential challenges. A final report must be submitted to Congress within three years.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill's purpose includes delivering more affordable electricity to consumers.
- Scored +2
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
The bill aims to lower energy costs for consumers through improved transmission infrastructure.
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the Secretary to publish study results and data on a publicly accessible website.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The study must specifically evaluate the potential negative effects of construction on the environment.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Lower Electricity Costs: The act aims to deliver more affordable electricity for consumers by alleviating energy capacity constraints through new infrastructure (Section 2(b)).
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Improved Grid Reliability: The study will analyze how building on these rights-of-way can support improvements in grid reliability and increase energy transmission capacity (Section 3(b)(5)(E)).
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Financial Benefits for Stakeholders: The study is tasked with identifying potential financial benefits for stakeholders, including owners of property abutting the right-of-way (Section 3(b)(5)(D)(ii)).
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Efficiency and Cost Savings: The study will determine expected cost and time savings regarding land acquisition or obtaining required permits (Section 3(b)(5)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Safety and Operational Risks: The study must evaluate potential safety or operational interference that could occur while performing maintenance, rehabilitation, or expansion of transportation infrastructure (Section 3(b)(6)(B)).
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Rail Safety and Communication Issues: There is a potential for electromagnetic interference with rail safety, signaling equipment, and communication equipment (Section 3(b)(6)(A)).
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Environmental and Community Effects: The Secretary is required to evaluate the effects that constructing and operating high-voltage transmission lines may have on the environment and communities near the right-of-way (Section 3(b)(6)).
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 households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill's purpose includes delivering more affordable electricity to consumers. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill aims to lower energy costs for consumers through improved transmission infrastructure. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The study addresses energy capacity constraints which often affect rural connectivity to the grid. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Infrastructure improvements can alleviate energy capacity constraints in congested geographic regions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to publish study results and data on a publicly accessible website.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The study evaluates potential financial benefits for stakeholders including those implicated by construction.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The study examines how transmission infrastructure might improve the efficiency of existing highways. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill aims to accelerate high-voltage transmission development which is a key component of renewable energy integration. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The study must specifically evaluate the potential negative effects of construction on the environment.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — By aiming to reduce energy costs, the bill could indirectly assist with household affordability.
- 7/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
Kim SchrierDemocrat · Washington
Eric SorensenDemocrat · Illinois
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia