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The House passed H.R. 3628, a bill requiring state electric utilities to prioritize long-term power grid reliability by planning for facilities that can run continuously during emergencies. The measure passed 218-207, largely along party lines.
H.R. 3628, known as the "State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act," focuses on the stability of the U.S. electricity supply. The bill requires state-regulated utilities to create ten-year plans that specifically include "reliable generation facilities"—power sources capable of running for at least 30 days during severe weather or fuel shortages. It sets a federal standard for what qualifies as a dependable power source to ensure the grid remains functional during emergencies. This was a "Vote on Passage," which is the final step for a bill to be approved by the House of Representatives. In this stage, the House decides whether to send the completed proposal to the Senate. Because it was a substantive piece of legislation, it required a simple majority of those present and voting to pass. The bill passed with 218 votes, with support coming almost exclusively from the Republican majority. Following this House approval, the bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate does not vote to pass it, the bill will not become law.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further study and potential future votes.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill could shift the balance of energy production by legally favoring power plants that can store fuel on-site, such as coal or nuclear, over renewable sources that depend on weather conditions.
Who’s affected. State-regulated electric utilities: Must overhaul 10-year plans to meet specific federal definitions for power reliability. · Electric consumers: May experience fewer prolonged outages during extreme weather, but could face changes in electricity rates depending on infrastructure costs. · State utility regulators: Required to review and implement these new standards within a two-year deadline.
Democrats. The vast majority of Democrats opposed the bill, though four members broke with their party to vote yes.
Republicans. Republicans were nearly unanimous in their support, with only one member voting no.
On Passage
Dec 11, 2025
The House passed H.R.
3628, a bill requiring state electric utilities to prioritize long-term power grid reliability by planning for facilities that can run continuously during emergencies. The measure passed 218-207, largely along party lines.
This was the final vote in the House of Representatives to approve the bill's text. Passing this stage means the House has officially finished its work on the bill and is sending it to the Senate for their approval.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further study and potential future votes.
This bill could shift the balance of energy production by legally favoring power plants that can store fuel on-site, such as coal or nuclear, over renewable sources that depend on weather conditions.
The vote was split almost entirely along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting against.
The vast majority of Democrats opposed the bill, though four members broke with their party to vote yes.
Republicans were nearly unanimous in their support, with only one member voting no.
The sole independent member of the House voted in favor of the bill.