Energy Policy Act of 2005

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Pub. L. 109–58)

2) 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.

3) 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 It also repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

4) 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.

5) Who or What It Controls

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

6) Key Sections / Citations

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

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

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

8) Official Sources