Combating Global Poverty Through Energy Development Act

This bill tells the U.S. to push global lenders (like the World Bank) to allow more financing for coal, oil, natural gas, and civil nuclear energy projects. The Treasury Department must direct U.S. representatives at these institutions to oppose and roll back rules that block or limit these types of energy projects . It also presses the World Bank to reverse its bans and limits on coal power, upstream oil and gas, and civil nuclear energy funding .

If the World Bank does not change course, the U.S. can hold back up to half of its funding starting in fiscal year 2026, until the Bank both removes its restrictions and adopts a policy that promotes financing for these energy sources . The Administration must also coordinate across agencies to boost international financing for energy projects to help developing countries get affordable, reliable power, and report to Congress within 180 days and every year on progress .

• Who is affected: International lenders and the World Bank; U.S. Treasury and other U.S. agencies; developing countries seeking energy financing
• What changes: U.S. will push to end restrictions on financing fossil and civil nuclear energy; may withhold up to 50% of World Bank funds; requires a plan to promote financing and yearly reports
• When: Funding holdback can start in FY2026; first report due 180 days after enactment, then annually