Congressman Pat Harrigan of North Carolina’s 10th District voted on Apr. 23 for H.R. 4690, known as the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, which aims to repeal federal building energy efficiency mandates established during the previous administration that limited the use of fossil fuels in federal construction projects.
The legislation addresses rules that prevented federal buildings from receiving green certifications if they used natural gas or other fossil fuels, regardless of their efficiency or reliability. Supporters say this move could lower costs and broaden energy options for Americans.
“The last administration decided that natural gas had no place in a federal building, and they buried that ideology deep in the regulatory code where most people would never find it,” said Congressman Harrigan. “That is exactly the kind of bureaucratic overreach that drives up costs and leaves hardworking Americans footing the bill. Energy that is reliable and affordable should not be penalized because it does not fit Washington’s preferred agenda. This bill fixes that.”
Under prior regulations, buildings could be denied green certification solely due to their use of fossil fuels. The new act removes these restrictions so energy source alone cannot disqualify a building from certification.
The bill will now proceed to consideration by the Senate, and if enacted, directs the Secretary of Energy to issue updated regulations within 180 days. According to Ballotpedia, Harrigan won his seat in Congress by defeating Ralph R. Scott, Jr., earning 57.5% of votes compared to Scott’s 38.2% in the general election held in 2024.
Harrigan said he will continue efforts to reduce regulations he believes increase costs and limit energy choices for families and businesses.