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Energy Policy Act of 2005

2005

Pub. L. 109–58; codified in various titles of U.S.C.

📌 Link to the Text of the Act

Read the statute (Pub. L. 109–58)

📌 Why It Was Done

The Act was passed to encourage energy production and investment across all sectors: oil, gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables. It aimed to increase U.S. energy independence while modernizing the grid and efficiency standards.

📌 Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights

It built upon the Energy Policy Act of 1992 but expanded subsidies, tax credits, and mandates. It also repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

📌 Overreach or Proper Role?

Supporters said it jumpstarted renewables and upgraded U.S. energy infrastructure. Critics said it gave excessive subsidies to fossil fuel and nuclear industries, and weakened some environmental protections.

📌 Who or What It Controls

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    Energy producers (fossil fuel, nuclear, renewable developers)
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    Utilities and grid operators (modernization and reliability standards)
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    Automakers and consumers (tax credits for hybrid/renewable vehicles)
  • •
    Federal agencies (efficiency requirements for buildings and procurement)

📌 Key Sections / Citations

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    Tax incentives for renewables and efficiency
  • •
    Repeal of PUHCA (1935) → changed utility regulation
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    Authorization of loan guarantees for innovative energy projects
  • •
    Mandatory reliability standards for electricity grid

📌 Recent Changes or Live Controversies

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    Loan guarantees controversial after Solyndra bankruptcy
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    Expanded ethanol mandates under Renewable Fuel Standard
  • •
    Critics argue subsidies distorted markets; supporters credit it with scaling renewables

📌 Official Sources