S. 3839 — Ratepayer Affordability and Transparency in Energy Act of 2026

This section states the purpose of the Act as safeguarding electric grid reliability by preempting state climate mandates—including renewable portfolio standards—that obstruct or distort energy infrastructure planning, inflate electricity costs, or imperil grid reliability.

This section defines, for purposes of the Act, (1) "State law" to include any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, ordinance, charter, order, or other authority of a State or any political subdivision of a State; and (2) "State" to include a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

This section preempts any state, local, or regulatory requirement, standard, mandate, or program that (1) requires electricity generation, retail sales, or procurement to include a specified percentage or quantity of electricity from renewable, zero-emission, or carbon-free energy resources (i.e., renewable portfolio standards or similar clean energy mandates); or (2) conditions participation in wholesale or retail electricity markets, cost recovery, or utility regulation on compliance with such requirements. It declares inconsistent state laws preempted and void. (Thus, states retain authority to own or operate renewable, zero-emission, or carbon-free generation facilities.)