Congress Proposes Requiring 5-Year Notice Before Power Plants Close to Prevent Electricity Shortages
The House passed this bill in December 2025, but it is now stalled because the Senate has not taken any action on it. Nothing has happened with this legislation since December 2025. The Senate must now decide whether to consider the bill, though many bills that pass the House never receive a vote in the Senate.
222–202
No action since December 2025
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Homeowners could benefit from greater grid reliability, reducing the risk of blackouts and power outages that can damage property and disrupt daily life. However, the cost of keeping aging power plants running would be passed along through electricity rates, which could mean higher monthly bills. The environmental exemption provision could also mean dirtier air in communities near plants that are forced to stay open.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 202 (Roll no. 342). (text: CR H5927-5928)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 202 (Roll no. 342). (text: CR H5927-5928)
The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 207 - 218 (Roll no. 341).
On Motion to Recommit
The House passed the Power Plant Reliability Act (H.R. 3632), which grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission broad authority to require utilities to continue operating power plants if their retirement threatens grid reliability. The bill passed 222-202 with support from moderate Democrats.
House leadership scheduled votes on the Power Plant Reliability Act and the Reliable Power Act as part of a campaign to bolster fossil fuel and nuclear generation. The legislation aims to address surging electricity demand from AI data centers and prevent what Republicans call premature retirements.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.