DOE Bioenergy Program Reauthorization Act
Expands the Energy Department's bioenergy research and demonstration program and authorizes funding through fiscal year 2031.
In the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee since Oct. 1, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Bioenergy uses biomass or waste to produce fuels, electricity, and other products. The bill would expand the Energy Department's research and commercialization program for bioenergy and renewable chemicals. It would support testing facilities, grants, biorefinery demonstrations, university biodiesel testing, and program planning and reporting.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Expand bioenergy research
The Energy Department would run research, development, demonstration, and commercialization work on bioenergy and renewable chemicals and materials. The work would cover biomass and waste feedstocks, conversion technologies, environmental and economic effects, sustainability, and workforce training.
- Demonstrate integrated biorefineries
The Department would demonstrate commercial-scale integrated biorefineries, with projects spread across different regions and using varied feedstocks and technologies. It would select only proposals showing that the project could operate profitably without direct federal subsidy after initial construction costs are funded.
- Support process development facilities
Within two years after enactment, the Department would support at least four geographically and technically diverse facilities where researchers, industry, and the agricultural community can test and scale up bioenergy technologies and produce small quantities of fuels and products.
- Fund early-stage bioenergy ideas
The Department would award competitive grants and cooperative agreements for innovative technologies not significantly represented in its existing bioenergy research portfolio or technology roadmaps.
- Test biodiesel at universities
The Department would establish a demonstration program to assess using biodiesel, including fuels rated as high as B100, in diesel generators at higher education institutions. The tests would examine fuel performance, reliability, cold-weather operation, and storage stability.
- Plan and report on the program
The Department would develop and annually update a strategic plan covering research challenges and collaboration. It would also make reports on research, activities, and progress available to Congress and the public.
The bill is aimed at supporting research and development of bioenergy and renewable chemicals and materials, including technologies that use biomass and waste. Its approach links early-stage research and testing with commercial demonstrations, while also calling for work on the environmental, social, and economic effects of growing and using large quantities of biomass.
The bill would authorize hundreds of millions of dollars for the program in each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The commercial demonstrations would have to show they can operate profitably without direct federal subsidy after initial construction costs are funded.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Delaney with 2 original cosponsorsReferred to Science, Space, and Technology
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeOCT 1, 2026SCIENCE, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 2 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. McClain Delaney’s record: sponsored 30 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Zoe LofgrenD-CA-18ORIGINAL
- Deborah K. RossD-NC-2ORIGINAL
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Discussion
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