Technical corrections only. The two versions of H.R. 4690 are substantively identical, with v4 reflecting the bill's referral to the Senate and including updated legislative metadata. No changes were made to the operative text of the bill.
Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 27, 2026
Bottom line
The bill removes federal mandates that limited fossil fuel use in federal buildings and ensures green building certifications cannot be denied based on fossil fuel consumption, aiming to provide greater flexibility in federal energy choices.
What it actually does
This bill repeals specific federal building energy efficiency performance standards and associated regulations that effectively restricted the use of fossil fuels in federal buildings. It also amends existing law to ensure that green building certification systems cannot prohibit a building from obtaining certification solely based on its direct or indirect consumption of fossil fuels. The Secretary of Energy is mandated to issue new or revised regulations within 180 days to implement these changes.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the existing federal building energy efficiency standards are overly prescriptive, increase construction and operational costs, and limit energy choices, potentially hindering the reliability and resilience of federal infrastructure. They contend that this bill allows federal agencies to make more practical and cost-effective energy decisions based on local conditions and operational needs, promoting a broader approach to energy efficiency that includes all reliable energy sources.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that repealing these standards undermines federal efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the transition to renewable energy. They contend that the bill rolls back progress on energy efficiency, could lead to increased reliance on fossil fuels in federal buildings, and sends a contradictory signal regarding the government's commitment to environmental sustainability.
The bill is exceptionally short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for detailed evaluation of its implications.
Section 2(a)(1) and 2(b)(1)
Repeal of Specific Federal Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards
This provision eliminates specific requirements within the Energy Conservation and Production Act that mandated certain energy efficiency performance standards for federal buildings, particularly those that restricted fossil fuel use. Concurrently, it repeals corresponding regulations (Subpart B of part 435 and Subpart B of part 433 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations) that enforced these standards, effectively removing federal mandates that limited energy choices for new federal buildings and major renovations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these standards were overly prescriptive, hindering cost-effective construction and renovation projects by limiting access to reliable and affordable energy sources, including natural gas. They contend that this repeal allows federal agencies to make more practical energy decisions based on local conditions and operational needs, potentially reducing project costs and improving energy reliability.
Critics contend
Critics assert that these repealed standards were crucial for driving federal leadership in energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They argue that their removal will lead to increased fossil fuel consumption in federal buildings, undermining climate goals and potentially increasing long-term energy costs due to reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for greater flexibility and potentially lower upfront costs in federal construction against long-term environmental goals and the promotion of renewable energy and advanced energy efficiency technologies.
Section 2(a)(2) and 2(c)
Prohibition on Denying Green Building Certification Based on Fossil Fuel Use
This provision amends both the Energy Conservation and Production Act and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to explicitly state that a building cannot be denied 'green building' or 'high-performance green building' certification solely because it directly or indirectly consumes fossil fuels. This ensures that certification systems used by federal agencies must accommodate buildings that utilize fossil fuels, preventing a de facto ban on such buildings from achieving recognized environmental standards.
Section 2(d)
Mandate for New Regulatory Framework
This section directs the Secretary of Energy to issue new or revised regulations within 180 days of the Act's enactment. These regulations are necessary to implement the changes made by the Act, specifically the repeal of certain energy efficiency standards and the new provisions regarding green building certification and fossil fuel consumption. This ensures that the statutory changes are translated into an updated administrative framework for federal building energy policy.