U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-La., has introduced legislation to prioritize domestic manufacturing of critical energy grid components, like transformers, and reduce our reliance on overseas products. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a companion piece in the U.S. Senate.

In recent years, Homebuilding Associations have struggled with a shortage of distribution transformers that has been exacerbated by supply chain issues and a lack of domestic manufacturing capabilities. These backlogs have caused a delay of 12 to 18 months for transformers, which has exacerbated challenges in the housing industry.

This legislation establishes an energy grid product manufacturing loan program through the U.S. Department of Energy to expand domestic production, bring jobs back to the United States, and protect America’s electrical grid. The loan program would be paid for through the rescission of unused appropriations as recommended by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

“We should never ask foreign countries to fill America’s energy needs when we can do it ourselves,” Higgins said. “The Biden administration’s anti-American energy policies and regulatory overreach have caused a heavy reliance on foreign nation states.  As I’ve met with Louisiana realtors and homebuilders in recent months, it’s clear that a significant need exists for domestic transformer and grid component production. Our legislation will prioritize these critical materials and bring production back to the United States, where it belongs.”