119-HR-3699 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A federal “energy choice” bill that would stop states and cities from banning or limiting gas or other energy hookups has cleared committee and heads to the House. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R. 3699 (119th): Energy Choice Act[2]House Committee on Energy & Commerce — E&C Advances Fifteen Bills to the Full H…

What It Does

The Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699) would prohibit any state or local rule that blocks or restricts connecting, installing, or expanding an energy service based on the fuel type. It explicitly covers natural gas, renewable gas, propane (LPG), hydrogen, petroleum products, biomass‑based diesel/renewable fuels, and electricity. In plain terms, local governments could not ban gas hookups in new buildings (or other fuels) simply because of the fuel used. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R. 3699 (119th): Energy Choice Act

Who’s For It

Supporters say it protects affordability, grid reliability, and consumer choice.

• House Republicans led by sponsor Rep. Nick Langworthy; the bill has 130+ House cosponsors. [7]Office of Rep. Nick Langworthy — Rep. Langworthy press release introducing Ener…[8]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Actions – H.R. 3699 (official action log)
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: argues the bill ensures access to all energy sources and supports affordability and reliability. [3]U.S. Chamber of Commerce — U.S. Chamber letter supporting H.R. 3699
• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): says small businesses need protection from energy bans that raise costs. [9]NFIB — NFIB press release: Small Businesses Support Legislation to Prevent Ener…
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): frames it as a housing‑affordability measure and a way to preserve appliance/fuel options. [10]National Association of Home Builders — NAHB: Energy Choice Act Introduced in C…
• Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA): rallied members to back the bill to keep gas options available. [11]Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association — HPBA urges industry support for the Ener…
• Some local governments have passed resolutions backing the bill (e.g., Chautauqua County, NY; Medina, NY). [12]Web search · turn 7 #4[13]Web search · turn 7 #7

Who’s Against It

Opponents say it undercuts local decision‑making and slows climate and health progress.

• Environmental and public‑health advocates for building electrification warn federal preemption would lock in fossil fuel use and pollution. [4]The Guardian — Report on fossil‑fuel industry campaigns against gas bans
• City and local‑government groups often oppose broad preemption on principle, arguing it strips communities of tools to meet local needs. [14]National League of Cities — Five‑year review: How state preemption affects loca…
• Committee Democrats have criticized related “consumer choice” packages as raising costs and weakening clean‑energy progress. [15]Web search · turn 13 #7
• Recent court cases show local authority is contested but not settled nationally (e.g., Berkeley setback vs. NYC win), a key reason many local leaders resist a sweeping federal preemption. [5]Associated Press — Berkeley agrees to halt enforcement of its gas‑ban ordinance…[6]Columbia Law School Climate Law Blog — NYC building electrification law upheld…

What’s Next

On December 3, 2025, the House Energy & Commerce Committee voted 24–21 to report H.R. 3699 to the full House. Next up is potential House floor consideration. A companion bill (S. 1945) is introduced in the Senate and awaits action in the Energy & Natural Resources Committee. Final passage would require approval by both chambers and the President’s signature. [2]House Committee on Energy & Commerce — E&C Advances Fifteen Bills to the Full H…[16]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - S. 1945 (119th): Energy Choice Act…

Key Numbers

Note: Congress.gov’s action log may lag behind committee press releases; as of early December, the official page still listed the Nov. 19 subcommittee action. [8]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Actions – H.R. 3699 (official action log)