Reliable Grid Act

This bill would pause the EPA from enforcing any rule that would limit or shut down already‑permitted power plants that can run whenever needed (like many coal and natural‑gas units). The pause would last until the grid reliability group (NERC) says every region of the country is at only “normal risk,” based on its 2023 long‑term reliability report.

It says keeping electricity reliable and affordable should come first when making rules. It warns that retiring on‑demand plants too soon could raise blackout risks as demand grows. It asks the EPA to work with utilities to spot plants at risk of early shutdown and to grant waivers to keep them running. It also calls on energy regulators to set standards that recognize wind and solar can drop to near‑zero output during extreme weather. New EPA power‑sector rules should come with proof they won’t cause early retirements and that the grid can meet demand without frequent outages.

• Who is affected: EPA, power plant operators (especially on‑demand plants), grid operators, and communities that depend on steady power.
• What changes: EPA could not enforce certain pollution or operational rules that would limit or close these plants until reliability is “normal” nationwide; the EPA is urged to grant waivers to prevent early shutdowns; energy regulators are urged to update reliability standards with extreme‑weather performance in mind.
• When: The pause would end only after NERC rates all regions at “normal risk,” using its 2023 assessment.