HF 2526 (LSB 6244YH (5) 90)

HOUSE FILE 2526

BY  THOMSON, GOLDING, SHERMAN, and HAYES

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for an energy policy interim study committee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  ENERGY POLICY INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE.
   1.  The legislative council is requested to establish an Iowa energy policy interim study committee to investigate, study, and evaluate current, past, and future energy policies, statutes, and markets in the state of Iowa including but not limited to those related to:
   a.  The electric grid.
   b.  Reliable energy production.
   c.  Native energy resources. For purposes of this paragraph, “native energy” means energy produced within Iowa for resident use.
   d.  Whether to disengage from the midcontinent independent system operator.
   e.  Nuclear energy for Iowa or for a consortium of states led by Iowa.
   f.  The establishment of backup systems throughout the state, such as a microgrid, to allow communities to retain independent systems.
   g.  Preventing the decommissioning of reliable electricity production.
   h.  Evaluating the impact of new development on current grid production.
   i.  Large data centers, liquified and compressed carbon dioxide infrastructure, vertical hydroponic agriculture, hydrogen hubs, and other concepts.
   j.  Short-term tax benefits for stock holders of an energy utility versus the long-term consequences for customers.
   2.  a.  The interim study committee shall consist of the following members:
   (1)  Six members of the house of representatives, four of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and two of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.
   (2)  Five members of the senate, three of whom shall be appointed by the majority leader of the senate and two of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate.
   b.  The interim study committee shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson. The commission shall meet at the time and place specified by call of the chairperson.
   3.  Upon a majority vote or the signature of the chairperson, the interim study committee may issue a subpoena.
   4.  The interim study committee shall meet during the 2024 legislative interim and submit a report containing recommendations to the general assembly by December 15, 2024.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill creates an energy policy interim study committee consisting of 11 legislative members. Decided by majority and minority leadership of the house of representatives and the senate, six members shall be from the house of representatives and five members shall be from the senate.
   The bill provides that the energy policy interim study committee shall investigate, study, and evaluate energy polices, statutes, and markets in Iowa. The interim study committee shall focus on energy-related topics including grids, reliable energy production, Iowa energy production, the midcontinent independent system operator, nuclear energy, backup systems, preventing decommissioning, large energy users, and the short-term benefits for stockholders of an energy utility and long-term consequences for customers.
   The bill provides the energy policy interim study committee with the authority to issue a subpoena upon a majority vote of the interim study committee or the signature of the chairperson.
   The bill provides that the interim study committee shall meet during the 2024 legislative interim and submit a report to the general assembly by December 15, 2024.