Cost-Share Accountability Act of 2025
Description
This bill would require the Department of Energy to report on instances where it reduces or waives cost-sharing requirements for projects.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require the Department of Energy to submit reports regarding its use of authority to reduce or waive cost-sharing requirements for nonfederal partners in energy projects. These reports would cover research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities conducted under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The department would be required to provide an initial report within 120 days of the bill's enactment and continue submitting updates at least quarterly.
Who is affected
The Department of Energy is directly affected, as it would be required to submit regular reports to Congress regarding its cost-sharing waiver authority. The bill also impacts entities involved in federally funded energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application projects under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Specifically, it concerns those for whom the Department of Energy has reduced or eliminated nonfederal cost-sharing requirements.
Key provisions
- Reporting on cost-sharing requirement waivers. The Department of Energy must report on instances where it uses its authority to reduce or eliminate nonfederal cost-sharing requirements for energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application projects.
- Establishment of reporting deadlines. The Department of Energy is required to submit an initial report within 120 days of the bill's enactment, followed by subsequent reports at least once every quarter.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The Department of Energy must submit its initial report within 120 days of the bill's enactment, with subsequent reports required at least quarterly thereafter.
Relationship to existing law
This bill establishes reporting requirements for the Department of Energy regarding its existing authority to modify nonfederal cost-sharing requirements for projects authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to increase transparency regarding the Department of Energy's use of its authority to reduce or waive nonfederal cost-sharing requirements for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application projects.