Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy introduced the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to remove outdated federal building mandates that are considered costly and misaligned with current construction practices.
“Taxpayers should not be on the hook for radical policies that only drive up the cost of constructing federal infrastructure while harming reliability,” stated Congressman Langworthy. “This bill would ensure Federal agencies to tailor building design and construction to their specific needs, rather than aiming to hit arbitrary efficiency targets.”
The act proposes repealing strict energy efficiency standards currently required by Section 305(a)(3)(D) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act and reinforced by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. These standards have been criticized for increasing costs, delaying projects, and limiting design flexibility.
Original cosponsors include Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC). Supporting organizations include the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, GPA Midstream Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, among others.
AGA President Karen Harbert commented on the bill’s potential impact: “We commend Congressman Langworthy and all of the cosponsors who recognize natural gas is the most reliable and affordable form of energy in the United States today – it’s our nation’s strategic advantage.”
Stuart Saulters from GPA Midstream expressed similar support: “GPA Midstream applauds Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) for introducing the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, which aims to allow federal buildings in America the ability to use the appropriate energy source.”
