Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) has introduced a House Resolution, H.Res. 290, which addresses the increasing threats to the reliability of the United States' electric grid. The resolution highlights the risks posed by the early shutdown of essential power sources such as coal and natural gas, which are being retired without equivalent replacements. This situation could lead to potential energy shortages, higher electricity costs, and reduced national 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," stated Congresswoman Fedorchak. She emphasized the need for constant power and the importance of creating policies to address this issue.

H.Res. 290 is part of several initiatives Fedorchak has planned to improve grid reliability. Earlier in the month, she introduced a Congressional Review Act to overturn the Biden administration's “Once In, Always In” regulation, arguing that it increases costs for energy producers and discourages investments in emissions-reducing technologies. Additionally, Fedorchak co-sponsored a successful resolution to repeal the methane tax, which she claimed threatened jobs, increased costs, and jeopardized energy independence. This tax repeal was signed into law by President Trump on March 14, 2025.

The resolution refers to findings from a 2024 assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which warned that 18 of 20 transmission regions could fall below safe reserve margins by 2034, leaving significant parts of the U.S. vulnerable to power shortages. It acknowledges risks from retiring baseload power plants prematurely, over-reliance on intermittent energy sources, insufficient natural gas infrastructure, and new demands from technologies such as AI, projected to account for 12% of national electricity use by 2030.

H.Res. 290, co-sponsored by Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) of the Energy and Commerce Committee, aligns with President Trump's National Energy Emergency declaration and an Executive Order aimed at restoring affordable and reliable energy to bolster U.S. economic and national security.

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