CHARGE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 17, 2026
Bottom line
The bill mandates a federal scientific study to investigate the environmental and health impacts of high-voltage power lines on communities and agriculture.
What it actually does
This bill directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential effects of very high-voltage electrical transmission lines (750-kilovolt or greater) on both human and livestock health, as well as on agricultural crop yields. Upon completion, the findings must be reported to key congressional committees.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this study is a crucial step to address long-standing public concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of high-voltage transmission lines. They contend that robust scientific data is essential for informing future energy policy, protecting public health, and ensuring the viability of agricultural lands near such infrastructure.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that mandating such a study could potentially delay critical energy infrastructure projects necessary for grid modernization and reliability. They may also argue that existing research on electromagnetic fields is sufficient, or that the study's scope could be too broad or narrow to yield definitive, actionable results without significant cost.
The bill is exceptionally brief and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
NIH Study on Effects of 750-Kilovolt or Greater Transmission Lines
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conduct a study as soon as practically feasible. The study is specifically tasked with investigating the effects of 750-kilovolt or greater transmission lines on two distinct areas: the health of both humans and livestock, and the yields of agricultural crops. This aims to provide scientific data on potential impacts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this study is crucial for understanding potential environmental and health risks associated with high-voltage transmission lines, providing evidence-based information to protect communities and agricultural productivity. They believe it will fill a critical knowledge gap.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such a study could delay critical energy infrastructure projects, is redundant given existing research on electromagnetic fields, or that the scope is too narrow or broad to yield definitive, actionable results without significant cost.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the public's desire for scientific understanding of potential health and environmental impacts with the ongoing need for expanding and modernizing the electrical grid.
Section 2(b)
Report to Congress
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the NIH Director, to submit a detailed report upon the conclusion of the study mandated in subsection (a). This report, outlining the study's results, must be submitted to the chair and ranking member of four specific congressional committees: the House Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Energy and Natural Resources.