HR-5542 : Still Just a Bill


This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program for states to improve public safety and environmental performance of the natural gas distribution system by offsetting rate increases to low-income households and providing incentives for natural gas distribution companies to accelerate, expand, or enhance improvements to the natural gas distribution system.

Grants must be used for (1) replacement of cast and wrought iron and bare steel pipes and other leak-prone components of the natural gas distribution system, or (2) inspection and maintenance programs for such system.

In awarding grants under the program, DOE must prioritize applications based on the expected results of a project with respect to (1) quantifiable benefits for public safety, (2) the magnitude of methane emissions reductions, (3) innovation in technical or policy approaches, (4) the number of low-income households anticipated to benefit from the assistance, and (5) overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2020-01-09CommitteeForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .House committee actions
2020-01-09CommitteeSubcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2020-01-08CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy.House committee actions
2020-01-07IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
2020-01-07IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Energy
Related Subjects
  • Accounting and auditing
  • Advanced technology and technological innovations
  • Air quality
  • Climate change and greenhouse gases
  • Energy assistance for the poor and aged
  • Energy efficiency and conservation
  • Energy prices
  • Energy research
  • Energy storage, supplies, demand
  • Environmental health
  • Labor standards
  • Oil and gas
  • Pipelines
  • Public utilities and utility rates
  • Research administration and funding
  • State and local government operations
  • Wages and earnings
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

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