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The bill protects residents from new state-level RGGI energy-efficiency surcharges (keeping near-term utility bills lower) at the cost of limiting states' ability to fund energy-efficiency and weatherization programs that reduce long-term bills, improve public health, and cut emissions—potentially shifting those costs onto other state budgets or taxpayers.
Residents in affected states (ratepayers, renters, homeowners, and taxpayers) are prevented from being charged new utility surcharges labeled for RGGI energy-efficiency funding, keeping their monthly energy bills from increasing.
Low-income households, homeowners, and renters may lose access to state-funded energy-efficiency programs, leading to higher long-term energy bills and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Disadvantaged and rural/urban communities could see reduced funding for weatherization and efficiency upgrades that improve indoor air quality and reduce energy-related health risks, worsening health outcomes and resilience to extreme weather.
State governments may shift the fiscal burden for energy-efficiency activities to general funds or federal grants, potentially forcing budget reallocations or cuts to other services and exposing taxpayers to indirect costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars states from imposing any charge intended to fund RGGI energy-efficiency programs, regardless of form or label.
Introduced March 18, 2026 by Jefferson Van Drew · Last progress March 18, 2026
Prohibits states from imposing any charge whose purpose is to fund the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) energy efficiency program. The ban covers any state-level charge regardless of its form or label, effectively blocking states from using that type of fee or charge to support RGGI energy-efficiency activities. The text contains no funding provisions, no effective date, and no exception for alternative funding sources; it simply forbids the specified state charges nationwide.