Sponsors (2)
The bill increases transparency and oversight of federal cost-share waivers—helping governments, utilities, and taxpayers see when federal aid is reduced or waived—but adds administrative burden and risks discouraging flexible use of aid due to heightened scrutiny.
Utilities and energy companies will see when the Department waived or reduced cost-sharing, giving those providers clearer visibility into federal assistance decisions.
State and local governments and congressional/state oversight committees will receive timely reports (initial within 120 days, then quarterly) improving oversight and coordination of federal cost-sharing decisions.
The public and taxpayers gain access to reports that make the frequency and scale of federal cost-share reductions visible, helping stakeholders evaluate how federal funds are used.
Greater transparency may discourage officials from using waiver or reduced cost-share authorities when needed because of fear of political or public scrutiny, potentially delaying or reducing aid to projects and utilities that need flexible support.
Preparing and publishing quarterly reports will impose administrative costs and staff time on the Department, which could divert resources from program delivery.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOE to report to Congress and the public on its use of authority to reduce or eliminate required cost-sharing, with the first report within 120 days and quarterly thereafter.
Requires the Department of Energy to publicly report on any use of its authority to reduce or eliminate required cost-sharing for covered energy programs. The agency must send the first report to specified congressional committees and make it public within 120 days after enactment, and then provide at least quarterly reports thereafter covering the period in each report.
Introduced January 13, 2025 by Jay Obernolte · Last progress March 25, 2025