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S 4772 119th Congress · Senate

Senate Bill to Block Local Limits on Renewable Energy Connections

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Official title: A bill to prohibit States and local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of a renewable energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered, and for other purposes.

This bill would stop state and local governments from banning or restricting the connection, reconnection, installation, transportation, distribution, modification, or expansion of renewable energy services because of the type or source of energy being delivered. In practical terms, it would protect renewable energy projects and customers from local rules that single out clean power for special limits. The measure is aimed at utilities, project developers, property owners, and consumers who want access to renewable electricity and related infrastructure.

  • Bars state and local governments from limiting renewable energy services because of the energy source.
  • Covers connection, reconnection, installation, transportation, distribution, modification, and expansion.
  • Applies to renewable energy service access and infrastructure decisions.
  • Would create a federal rule overriding source-based local restrictions.
Public Relevance 28 / 100
Niche Modest scope Broad

For a typical household or business, this bill could make it easier to get renewable energy service connected, expanded, or restored if a state or local government has been using source-based restrictions to block it. If you live in an area where local officials have tried to limit solar, wind, or other renewable infrastructure, the bill would favor access to those services over local exclusion rules. If your community is not using such restrictions, the direct effect on you would likely be limited.

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FOR
  • Renewable energy developers They would argue the bill prevents local governments from using source-based restrictions to delay or block projects, which can reduce financing risk and speed deployment. Clearer rules can make it easier to build and connect clean-energy systems.
  • Consumers and businesses seeking clean power They would say the bill protects customer choice and helps ensure access to renewable electricity without arbitrary local barriers. That can support lower-emission energy options and more predictable service availability.
  • Clean-energy advocates They would likely see the bill as a necessary federal backstop against fragmented local rules that slow the transition to renewable power. A uniform standard can help expand clean-energy infrastructure across state lines.
AGAINST
  • State and local governments They may argue the bill overrides local land-use and utility decisions, reducing the ability of communities to manage where and how energy infrastructure is built. Local officials often want flexibility to address safety, aesthetics, and neighborhood impacts.
  • Residents near new energy infrastructure They may worry the bill could limit their ability to push back against projects they believe are poorly sited or too disruptive. Even if the policy is source-neutral, it could still make it harder to stop unwanted infrastructure nearby.
  • Utility planners and grid operators They may argue that broad federal preemption could complicate coordination with local permitting and infrastructure planning. They could prefer a system that preserves more discretion to match projects with local grid and land-use conditions.
  • “prohibit States and local governments from prohibiting or limiting”

    This language would sharply reduce the ability of state and local officials to block renewable energy services using source-based restrictions. In practice, it shifts power toward federal protection for renewable access.

  • “connection, reconnection, modification, installation”

    The bill reaches beyond new projects and also covers restoring or changing existing service. That means it could affect upgrades, repairs, and service changes, not just first-time hookups.

  • “transportation, distribution, or expansion”

    This suggests the bill is aimed at the broader delivery chain for renewable energy, not only a single customer connection. It could affect infrastructure planning and the growth of renewable service networks.

  • “based on the type or source of energy to be delivered”

    The restriction is tied to discrimination against renewable energy as a category. Local governments could still regulate for neutral reasons, but not because the energy is renewable.

June 11, 2026

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

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