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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) to help reduce unnecessary paperwork burdens and bring down energy prices for Michigan families.

H.R. 1109 amends the Federal Power Act to establish a minimum monetary threshold of $10 million before a merger or consolidation of facilities under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) jurisdiction is subject to a review. Adjusting this threshold brings mergers or consolidations into line with the same standard for other categories of transactions that FERC oversees. This adjustment will allow FERC and energy producers to focus on providing affordable energy rather than dedicating time and resources to redundant government red tape.

“This legislation represents a common sense approach which will save consumers money, result in our government running more efficiently, and ensure important transparency,” said Dingell. “This is an example of what we need to be doing more of – working together to find solutions for the American people – and I will continue working with Congressman Walberg to get this bill across the finish line.”

“With summer almost here, it’s another reminder of how much of a factor energy prices play in household budgets,” said Walberg. “Bogging down FERC and energy producers with excessive paperwork will ultimately lead to higher costs that families can’t afford. This commonsense bill will help free up the commission to focus their resources on ensuring consumers are getting the most affordable and reliable energy possible.”