Giving a voice to the American people so they can benefit from energy projects in their community
Give communities a voice in energy projects in their area.
Occurrences
Evidence
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
Official GPO bill text lists Rep. Tonko among cosponsors of H.R. 7977, introduced March 18, 2026 and referred to multiple House committees. Title VII would create community benefits agreements, FERC intervenor funding, senior and Tribal community engagement officers, and grants to enhance community engagement in energy-related permitting and environmental reviews.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
The House Rules Committee record for H. Res. 1336 shows a motion to allow consideration of H.R. 7977, the Energy Bills Relief Act, was defeated 3-6 on June 3, 2026.
Assessments
Tonko materially advanced the promised goal by cosponsoring H.R. 7977 in the 119th Congress; the bill included community engagement measures for energy permitting, community benefits agreements, FERC intervenor funding, Tribal and senior community engagement officers, and related grants. However, the cited record shows a Rules Committee attempt to allow consideration of the bill was defeated on June 3, 2026, and there is no evidence that these provisions became law or were implemented. This supports credit for effort, but not fulfillment.