Findlay Times

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Energy Subcommittee has advanced two legislative proposals introduced by Congressman Bob Latta. These bills, the Electric Supply Chain Act and the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, are designed to enhance American energy production as artificial intelligence technology continues to grow.

The Electric Supply Chain Act mandates that the Secretary of Energy conduct regular assessments and submit reports concerning the supply chain for electricity generation and transmission. Meanwhile, the REFINER Act requires a report from the National Petroleum Council on the status of petrochemical refineries in the United States.

These initiatives aim to bolster domestic energy infrastructure, a priority Congressman Latta emphasized during a recent hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Communications and Technology Subcommittee. He highlighted AI permitting reform's significance and stressed ensuring U.S.-based energy development to meet AI's increasing energy demands.

"Generative artificial intelligence isn’t a trend; it’s the backbone of the next industrial era," stated Latta. "Countries around the globe are racing to build the full AI stack: data centers, chips, power, and platforms. Here in the United States, we must ensure that we have the right policies in place to have enough energy to power AI and make America an attractive place to build the entire AI supply chain. I'm grateful to my colleagues on the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing my two bills to not only support progress in the AI space but also strengthen American-led energy production across the board."