Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act
Key claim: The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act (HR4690) would repeal DOE energy-efficiency performance standards that phase out fossil-fuel use in new and majorly renovated federal buildings by FY2030 and bar green-building certification systems from denying certification solely because of fossil-fuel consumption.
Abstract
(HR4690 · 119th Congress) Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act This bill repeals certain energy efficiency performance standards for new federal buildings and federal buildings undergoing major renovations. Specifically, the bill repeals the performance standards that phase out fossil fuel use in such buildings by FY2030. The bill directs the Department of Energy to implement the standards as though such phase-out requirements had never taken effect until it issues regulations with revised performance standards. The bill also specifies that certain systems that certify green buildings may not prohibit federal buildings from obtaining a certification as a green building or high-performance green building solely based on direct or indirect consumption of fossil fuels. Latest action (2026-04-27): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Why this matters
Federal buildings are a large procurement lever for low-carbon construction and equipment markets, so repealing the FY2030 fossil-fuel phase-out would preserve near-term flexibility for gas heating and cooking in federal facilities while removing a demand signal for electrification. The bill’s certification non-discrimination clause would also constrain private green-building rating systems (e.g., LEED) used in federal projects, affecting how emissions and energy performance are scored.