This bill aims to prevent "energy poverty" by requiring the federal government to study and account for how energy policies affect vulnerable communities, including low-income, minority, rural, elderly, and Native American populations. It directs the Government Accountability Office to analyze existing federal energy laws and regulations to determine their financial impact on these at-risk groups and to recommend ways to reduce barriers to affordable energy access. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to study potential impacts before taking certain actions that would restrict oil, gas, coal, or mineral development on federal lands, such as leasing moratoriums or permit delays, and mandates that findings be published and reported to Congress. Additionally, federal agencies would need to certify that new energy-related rules or policies won't cause energy poverty in at-risk communities, and include a public justification statement with such rules. The Office of Management and Budget must issue implementation guidance within 90 days of enactment, with most other reporting requirements taking effect within one year.
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