Energy Policy Act of 1992

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 13201 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Act was designed to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, promote energy efficiency, encourage development of renewable and alternative fuels, and expand investment in nuclear and clean coal technologies.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built on the Energy Reorganization Act (1974) and DOE Organization Act (1977) but expanded federal authority into renewable energy and efficiency standards for the first time.

Acts

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 It also repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

Acts

Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA)

Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA, 2007)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Pub. L. 110–140)

2) Why It Was Done
EISA was passed to reduce U.S. dependence on oil, improve energy efficiency, and promote renewable fuels. It expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), raised vehicle fuel economy (CAFE) standards, and promoted green building and appliance efficiency.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
It built upon the Energy Policy Acts of 1992 and 2005, while pushing stronger mandates for renewables and efficiency.

Acts

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, 2021)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 117–58)

2) Why It Was Done
The IIJA was enacted to provide historic investments in U.S. infrastructure, including transportation, clean energy, water systems, and broadband internet, with the goal of modernizing the nation’s core systems and creating jobs.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Infrastructure had been funded piecemeal through highway and transportation bills. The IIJA consolidated and expanded federal commitments across multiple sectors, similar in scale to New Deal–era public works programs.

Acts

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, 2022)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 117–169)

2) Why It Was Done
The IRA was passed to lower prescription drug costs, invest in clean energy, reduce the federal deficit, and address inflation concerns. It represented one of the largest climate and energy investments in U.S. history.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built on provisions from the Affordable Care Act (2010) (health subsidies) and prior clean energy tax credits. Expanded tax code authorities rather than creating new constitutional frameworks.