Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act to Cut Costs and Modernize Construction Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, legislation to eliminate outdated and burdensome federal building mandates that no longer align with modern construction realities.

“Taxpayers should not be on the hook for radical policies that only drive up the cost of constructing federal infrastructure while harming reliability. This bill would ensure Federal agencies to tailor building design and construction to their specific needs, rather than aiming to hit arbitrary efficiency targets,” said Congressman Langworthy. “It will help rein in inflated construction costs, accelerate project timelines, and foster innovation by removing rigid, top-down mandates. The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act is a part of my broader effort to inject common-sense back into government.”

Currently, federal agencies must comply with strict energy efficiency standards set forth in Section 305(a)(3)(D) of theEnergy Conservation and Production Actand reinforced in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. These one-size-fits-all mandates—enacted during an aggressive federal climate policy push—create unnecessary cost burdens, slow down construction timelines, and limit design flexibility for new federal buildings.

The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act would repeal these outdated requirements, allowing agencies to pursue energy-efficient solutions where appropriate, while also prioritizing practicality, cost-effectiveness, and mission-readiness.

The full text can be found here.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC).  

Groups that support this legislation include the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, GPA Midstream Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, Independent Petroleum Association of America, American Petroleum Institute, National Gas Supply Association, MEA Energy Association, GO-WV, Northwest Gas Association, Tennessee Gas Association, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, Natural Gas Association of Georgia, Northeast Gas Association, Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition, and SEMCO Energy. 

“We commend Congressman Langworthy and all of the cosponsors who recognize natural gas is the most reliable and affordable form of energy in the United States today – it’s our nation’s strategic advantage,” said AGA President and CEO Karen Harbert. “The Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act would preserve vital resiliency in our national infrastructure to ensure operability in high-stakes moments, protect our national security and deliver life essential energy to mission critical federal and military facilities across our nation.”

“GPA Midstream applauds Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) for introducing the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, which aims to allow federal buildings in America the ability to use the appropriate energy source, which often is natural gas or propane,” said Stuart Saulters, VP, Federal Affairs, GPA Midstream. “Unfortunately, previous legislation imposed prescriptive federal building energy performance standards, which often disallow the use of natural gas or propane. These one-size-fits-all requirements on the design, construction, and operation of new federal buildings often result in unnecessary cost increases, inflexible compliance burdens, and construction delays. The federal government, just like American citizens, should be able to use the most reliable and affordable energy source. GPA Midstream hopes the House of Representatives will pass the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act soon.”

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