Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to address reviews of chemical substances critical to energy infrastructure. It requires the EPA Administrator to consider economic, societal, and environmental costs/benefits when reviewing such substances (defined by the Secretary of Energy as essential to U.S. energy systems with vulnerable supply chains), overriding a standard prohibition against these factors. If the EPA fails to act within the review timeline, companies can proceed with their planned actions without further EPA review, and the EPA is relieved of making that determination. The bill also mandates the EPA conduct a preliminary review and provide a draft determination before asking a company to withdraw a submission or pause the review period.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHR 1155, the Keeping America’s Refineries Act, exempts certain petroleum refineries from a specific requirement under the Clean Air Act. It directly affects refineries operating alkylation units that use hydrofluoric acid (HF), specifically those with valid Clean Air Act permits or that meet American Petroleum Institute safety standards. The bill prohibits the EPA from mandating that these refineries assess "safer technology" or alternative risk management measures for HF use in their hazard assessments. This change removes a regulatory step requiring refineries to evaluate safer alternatives for HF acid, focusing solely on their existing operational compliance.
Maddy summaryHR 1140 allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to temporarily waive certain environmental requirements for facilities processing "critical energy resources" (like essential energy sources with vulnerable supply chains) during national or energy security emergencies. The waiver, valid for up to 90 days (renewable), permits increased processing or refining at designated facilities to meet urgent security needs, without violating other environmental laws during the waiver period. Facilities operating under this waiver are protected from legal penalties for actions that would otherwise conflict with other environmental regulations. The bill applies specifically to energy resources critical to U.S. energy systems, as defined by the Secretary of Energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the sole lead agency for environmental reviews (NEPA) required for natural gas pipeline approvals. It requires other federal, state, and tribal agencies to coordinate with FERC early in the process, adhere to a strict 90-day deadline for decisions, and avoid duplicating environmental reviews. Pipeline developers benefit from a more predictable timeline, while the public gains access to online tracking of each agency's progress on permits. The bill also mandates FERC to consult with transportation security officials on pipeline safety measures during reviews.
Maddy summaryHR 1141, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, repeals a specific provision (Section 136) of the Clean Air Act that established an incentive program for reducing methane emissions and waste in natural gas systems. This bill directly affects natural gas producers and operators who previously participated in or were subject to the methane emissions reduction program. The key mechanism is the removal of this incentive program, eliminating federal requirements and financial incentives related to methane waste reduction for the natural gas industry. The bill also rescinds unobligated funds allocated for this program. This is a policy change removing a regulatory incentive, not a tax repeal.
Maddy summaryHR 1058 streamlines approval for new cross-border energy infrastructure projects in the U.S., directly affecting energy companies seeking to build oil/gas pipelines or electricity transmission lines across U.S. borders with Canada or Mexico. It replaces Presidential permits with a new "certificate of crossing" process managed by FERC (for pipelines) or the Department of Energy (for electricity), requiring decisions within 120 days unless the project lacks public interest. The bill also mandates that natural gas import/export applications be approved within 30 days and repeals a requirement for Federal Power Act approval for electricity projects. Existing facilities and projects with pending permits as of the bill's enactment are exempt from these new rules.
Maddy summaryHR 1070 creates a new interim permit process for owners or operators of critical energy resource facilities under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. This allows these facilities to operate under an interim permit while awaiting final EPA approval, streamlining permitting for projects involving critical energy resources. The bill defines "critical energy resource" as energy sources essential to U.S. energy systems with vulnerable supply chains (as determined by the Secretary of Energy), and "critical energy resource facility" as one processing or refining such resources. The interim permit must still be approved by the EPA Administrator, ensuring environmental oversight remains in place. This change directly affects energy infrastructure projects focused on securing critical supply chains.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 1085, the REFINER Act) requires the U.S. Secretary of Energy to direct the National Petroleum Council to produce a report within 90 days of enactment. The report must examine U.S. petrochemical refineries' role in energy security, analyze their capacity and expansion opportunities, assess risks to these facilities, and evaluate federal or state policies that may have reduced refinery capacity. It also mandates recommendations for increasing refinery capacity and requires the report to be made publicly available. The bill does not change existing laws or regulations but directs a formal review of refinery operations and policy impacts affecting the sector.
Maddy summaryHR 1068, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to define "critical energy resource" as any energy resource essential to U.S. energy systems with a vulnerable supply chain. The bill requires the Energy Secretary to conduct ongoing assessments of these resources, strengthen domestic supply chains through diversification and increased production, develop alternatives, improve recycling technology, and evaluate risks from import reliance. This legislation directly affects the Department of Energy, which must now lead these efforts in consultation with energy sector stakeholders and federal agencies. The key mechanisms focus on preventing supply disruptions for resources critical to energy technologies and systems, without specifying particular minerals or industries.
Maddy summaryHR 1219, the Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act, establishes an online cybersecurity clearinghouse under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to provide resources and support to the food and agriculture industry. The clearinghouse will offer publicly accessible tools, including updated FAQs, ransomware response guides, and small business assistance, alongside consolidated voluntary cybersecurity recommendations covering risk management, incident recovery, and protection of critical systems. It also mandates a Comptroller General study assessing federal cybersecurity efforts in the sector, including coordination among agencies and potential benefits of creating a dedicated industry-specific cybersecurity information-sharing center. The bill directly affects food producers, processors, distributors, and their technology systems, aiming to strengthen defenses against cyber threats without imposing new regulatory requirements.