119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8715
This bill, called the "Make DTE Pay Act," amends the Clean Air Act to increase penalties for investor-owned electric and gas utilities that violate air pollution rules. Specifically, if a utility that owns a polluting facility raises its rates either in the two years before or after receiving an air quality penalty, the penalty amount would be doubled for each rate increase—meaning utilities could face substantially higher fines if they pursue rate increases around the time of their violations. The bill affects investor-owned utilities (not municipal or cooperative utilities) and applies to any rate increase they receive or seek during this four-year window, including increases that are still pending before regulatory authorities. The measure provides no specific funding allocation, as it creates a penalty enhancement mechanism rather than a new spending program. This legislation was introduced in May 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.