Technical corrections only. v3 includes the name of the Clerk of the House and reflects the bill's referral to the Senate, which are procedural updates. There are no substantive policy changes between v2 and v3.
Cost-Share Accountability Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 25, 2025
Bottom line
This bill enhances transparency and congressional oversight regarding the Department of Energy's use of waivers for cost-sharing requirements in energy projects by mandating regular public reporting.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to mandate new reporting requirements for the Department of Energy (DOE). Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Energy to submit quarterly reports to designated congressional committees and make these reports publicly available. These reports must detail all instances where the DOE has used its authority to reduce or eliminate cost-sharing requirements for projects.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill enhances congressional oversight and public transparency over federal spending and project management within the Department of Energy. It ensures that decisions to waive cost-sharing requirements, which can impact taxpayer funds and project equity, are regularly reviewed and justified, promoting greater accountability in federal energy investments.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill adds an administrative burden to the Department of Energy, potentially diverting resources from core energy research and development activities to reporting tasks. They might also contend that existing oversight mechanisms are sufficient, and this new requirement is redundant or overly prescriptive, potentially slowing down project approvals.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding by any reader.
Section 2, amending Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352)
Quarterly Reporting on Cost-Share Waivers
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Energy must, within 120 days of the bill's enactment and then quarterly thereafter, provide reports to specific congressional committees. These committees include the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The reports must detail the Department of Energy's use of its authority to reduce or eliminate cost-sharing requirements for projects, as permitted under existing law (subsection (b)(3) or (c)(2) of 42 U.S.C. 16352). Crucially, these reports must also be made publicly available.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for ensuring accountability in federal spending. By requiring regular, public reporting on cost-share waivers, Congress and the public can better understand how taxpayer funds are being utilized and whether exceptions to standard funding rules are justified and applied equitably. This transparency can prevent potential misuse or favoritism in project funding and build public trust.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that while transparency is generally desirable, this specific reporting requirement could create an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle for the Department of Energy. They might argue that the existing authority to waive cost-sharing is intended to provide flexibility for critical projects, and excessive reporting could slow down project approvals or discourage the use of these waivers even when beneficial for innovation.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for increased transparency and congressional oversight with the potential for increased administrative burden on the Department of Energy. It also navigates the tension between providing necessary flexibility for project funding through waivers and ensuring robust accountability for those exceptions, which could impact the speed and agility of federal energy initiatives.