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119-s-3976119th CongressWALLET

Connect the Grid Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Introduced

Summary

Would connect ERCOT to neighboring grids and expand federal authority to fund and set reliability standards for regional transmission. The bill focuses on boosting electric reliability, speeding transmission buildout with grid‑enhancing technologies, and embedding environmental justice, Tribal, and labor protections.

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  • Would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set minimum total transfer capability standards between ERCOT and neighboring grids, repeal certain ERCOT exemptions, and push for joint siting and construction plans with a 2035 completion target.
  • Would boost federal financing for transmission by raising the Transmission Facilitation Program borrowing cap from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion and prioritize use of existing rights-of-way, degraded lands, and grid-enhancing technologies to speed deployment.
  • Would raise environmental review expectations under NEPA and the Endangered Species Act, mandate community and Tribal engagement, require registered apprenticeship programs and prevailing wages, and direct a one-year Energy Department study on interconnecting U.S. facilities with Mexico.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More federal loans for transmission

This bill would raise borrowing authority for the Transmission Facilitation Program from $2.5 billion to $13.5 billion. If enacted, more federal loans would be available to utilities, developers, and other borrowers building transmission. The change would take effect upon enactment.

New federal rules for ERCOT grid

This bill would remove special federal exemptions for parts of the ERCOT grid and bring them under broader Federal Power Act rules. It would require a reliability group to propose minimum power-transfer ranges within 30 days and force joint siting and construction plans within 1 year, with work finished by January 1, 2035. Plans would prioritize grid-enhancing technology, existing rights-of-way, degraded lands, renewable access, labor outreach, and registered apprenticeships. Projects to meet the targets would follow NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would hold a technical conference within 180 days to explain how affected entities must comply. The bill would also set official definitions for terms used in siting, workforce, and community outreach.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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