Fedorchak leads House resolution to protect grid reliability amid rising energy demand
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) introduced H.Res. 290, a resolution recognizing the urgent and growing threats to the reliability of America’s electric grid. The resolution warns that the premature shutdown of reliable baseload power sources—such as coal and natural gas—without dependable replacements is putting the nation at risk of energy shortages, higher costs, and weakened security.
“America’s power grid is facing a perfect storm. Demand is skyrocketing—driven by AI, data centers, and a growing economy—while reliable baseload power is being shut down without equitable replacement generation. If we don’t correct course, we’re headed for blackouts, soaring electricity costs, and a direct threat to our national security,” Fedorchak said. “This resolution acknowledges this significant problem, underscores the urgent need for always-available power, and builds momentum for policies to solve this problem.”
This is one step amid a series of solutions Fedorchak is advancing this spring to enhance grid reliability and support rapid development of reliable, affordable power. Earlier this month, she introduced a CRA to repeal the Biden administration's “Once In, Always In” rule, which increases costs on energy producers and discourages investment in emissions reduction technologies. She also co-sponsored the resolution to repeal the methane tax, which threatened jobs, raised costs for families, and jeopardized our energy independence. The repeal of this tax was signed into law by President Trump on March 14, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The resolution highlights findings from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s 2024 assessment, which warns that 18 of 20 transmission regions could fall below safe reserve margins by 2034—leaving large parts of the country vulnerable to power shortages.
The resolution cites several major risks highlighted in the report, including:
Premature retirement of baseload power plants—such as natural gas, coal, and nuclear—driven by burdensome state and federal regulations.
Over-reliance on intermittent, weather-dependent sources without sufficient backup generation.
Insufficient natural gas pipeline infrastructure to meet surging electricity demand.
New energy demands from emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which could account for 12 percent of national electricity use by 2030.
H.Res 290, cosponsored by Energy and Commerce Republican Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), supports President Trump’s National Energy Emergency declaration and his Executive Order to unleash American energy, which calls for restoring affordable, reliable energy to support U.S. economic and national security.
CLICK HERE to read the full text of the resolution.
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