Sponsor
Jefferson Van Drew
Representative · R-NJ
Representative · R-NJ
The bill protects residents from new utility charges tied to RGGI energy-efficiency funding in the short term but does so at the cost of limiting state flexibility to fund efficiency programs that lower long‑term bills, reduce emissions, and improve public health—shifting costs and trade-offs elsewhere in state budgets.
Residents and utility ratepayers (renters and homeowners) in states covered by this rule are protected from new or increased utility-related charges labeled for RGGI energy-efficiency funding, keeping near‑term monthly bills lower.
Low-income households and disadvantaged communities may receive less funding for weatherization and efficiency upgrades, worsening energy affordability and indoor safety/health outcomes (e.g., cold/heat exposure, mold) and increasing vulnerability to energy price shocks.
States' ability to run or expand energy-efficiency programs that reduce long‑term energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is constrained, likely slowing emissions reductions and long-term bill savings.
Prohibiting these targeted utility charges shifts fiscal pressure onto other state revenue sources (general funds or federal grants), potentially forcing budget trade-offs that could reduce other state services or require tax adjustments.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars states from imposing any charge whose purpose is to fund the RGGI Energy Efficiency Program, regardless of label or form.
Official title: To prohibit States from imposing charges for the purpose of funding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Energy Efficiency Program.
Introduced March 18, 2026 by Jefferson Van Drew · Last progress March 18, 2026
Bans states from imposing any charge intended to fund the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Energy Efficiency Program. The prohibition applies nationwide and covers any state-level charge regardless of how it is labeled or structured.