The Duck Curve#congress
Menendez bill would make states weigh plug-in solar rules, fund rebates
Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced H.R. 10851, the Socket Full of Sunshine Act, on October 19, 2026. It would require state utility regulators to consider rules easing plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 watts and fund state point-of-sale rebates of up to $1,000 for low- or moderate-income households.
Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act signed; FERC report within 180 days
The White House said the President signed H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, into law on September 25, 2026; the Library of Congress record dates both 'Signed by President.' and 'Became Public Law No: 119-112.' to September 25, 2026. The act adds a section 37 to the Federal Power Act: within 180 days of enactment and annually after that, FERC reports to Congress on each pending new license, subsequent license for which sections 14 and 15 have been waived, and original license for which a notice of intent was given at least three years earlier, with six inclusions each.
Lofgren fusion bill would appropriate $10 billion for commercialization
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) led the introduction of the American Leadership in Fusion Act, H.R. 10574, on September 24, 2026; GovInfo lists Lofgren as sponsor, four original cosponsors, referral to the House Science Committee and no posted text. A committee-posted draft dated September 16, 2026 would make six appropriations in five clauses summing to $10 billion by our arithmetic, put a DOE Office of Fusion under an Assistant Secretary for Fusion Energy, and list among its duties a goal to start building more than one fusion pilot power plant by December 31, 2028.