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119-s-2185119th CongressWALLET

Energy Circuit Riders Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Introduced

Summary

Energy Circuit Rider Program would place trained specialists in rural areas to help plan, finance, and implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects. It funds grants to hire, train, and retain these specialists and connects them with federal and state incentives.

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  • Rural families and local governments would get hands-on help to design projects, run energy audits, and tap federal, state, and utility incentives so projects can move from idea to funding and construction.
  • States, Tribal governments, nonprofits, universities, extension services, and regional planning entities could apply for grants that run 3 to 6 years and cover up to 75 percent of project costs.
  • Energy Circuit Riders would provide technical assistance across at least two rural areas, share best practices, and help communities apply for specific USDA energy loans and grants.
  • The program requires interagency information sharing and annual reporting to Congress on energy savings, monetary benefits to communities, and carbon reductions.

*Authorizes appropriations of $25 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, increasing potential federal spending by that amount if appropriated.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants to fund rural energy advisors

If enacted, this bill would create an Energy Circuit Rider grant program at USDA. The program would fund hiring, training, and retention of staff who help rural communities plan and run energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Grants could cover up to 75% of costs, last more than 3 but not more than 6 years, and would be prioritized if a State rural development director recommends the applicant. The bill would authorize $25,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Each funded advisor must serve at least two rural areas and could help apply for USDA energy loans and other Federal incentives.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

NH • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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