Press Releases

WASHINGTON — As wildfires rage, floods surge, and power grids strain under record-breaking heat, U.S. Representatives Leger Fernández (NM-03), Casten (IL-06), Castor (FL-11), and Ross (NC-02) introduced the Weather-Safe Energy Act of 2025. This landmark bill will equip utilities with the cutting-edge weather data, modeling, and support they need to withstand the growing threat of extreme weather. The bill addresses a critical need at a time when the nation’s energy infrastructure faces unprecedented threats from increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and droughts. Utilities and grid operators currently lack the sophisticated weather data and modeling tools necessary to prepare for these cascading risks. 

The Weather-Safe Energy Act directs the Department of Energy to create a comprehensive weather data platform that will give utilities and grid operators the information they need to plan for extreme weather events and keep the lights on during dangerous conditions. The legislation also expands research funding to better understand how severe weather affects our electricity systems and provides training and technical assistance to help energy companies use these new tools effectively. By equipping our energy sector with better weather data and planning resources, this bill will strengthen our electricity grid while ensuring reliable power for American families and businesses. 

“When the lights go out during a heat wave, flood, or wildfire, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a matter of life or death,”said Leger Fernández. “Every family deserves to know the power will stay on, no matter the forecast. We’re using the tools of science and technology to protect our communities and build a clean, resilient energy future.”

“There is no question that climate change-fueled extreme weather events will continue to threaten blackouts throughout the United States,” said Rep. Sean Casten. "Ensuring our energy system is resilient and able to withstand these events is crucial. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to provide utilities and system operators with the information necessary to effectively respond to extreme weather, keep power running, and save lives.”

“Florida families know the cost of extreme weather all too well — from stronger hurricanes to scorching heat waves that raise our electric bills and strain our power grid,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “The Weather-Safe Energy Act provides a forward-looking solution to help keep the lights on and our communities safe when disaster strikes. I’m proud to introduce this common-sense bill with my colleague, Rep. Leger Fernández, to ensure that we have tools to protect families from energy disruptions. By improving access to cutting-edge weather and energy data, we can empower states like Florida to build a more resilient, secure, and affordable energy future.”

“Our communities are facing more frequent and intense weather events that threaten the safety and reliability of our energy infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “In North Carolina, we have seen firsthand how extreme weather can shut down entire regions. This bill will give energy producers the information they need to prepare for extreme weather. I’m proud to lead this effort to make sure every community has the tools it needs to meet these growing challenges.”

This bill has been endorsed by the Environmental Defense Fund, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Woodwell Climate Research Center.

“Rep. Leger Fernandez’s Weather-Safe Energy Act is the right framework to make sure energy grid operators have the tools to keep our lights on and our homes air conditioned. The publicly available digital database and other resources in this proposal give grid operators everything they need to keep electricity flowing to our homes in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather," said a spokesperson from the Environmental Defense Fund. 

The Union of Concerned Scientists said, “UCS commends Congresswoman Leger Fernández for recognizing the critical role of federal agencies to provide science-driven tools to address issues of national importance. Passage of the Weather-Safe Energy Act would provide scientifically robust, transparent, and standardized data necessary to address one of the nation’s most pressing issues: the ability to provide a reliable, affordable electricity supply in the face of climate change and extreme weather. This is an issue anyone who cares about electric grid reliability should be able to get behind, and one where properly supported federal agencies can play a crucial role.”

Dave McGlinchey, the Chief of Government Relations at the Woodwell Climate Research Center,added, "As the threat of extreme weather events continues to increase, we must improve our defenses to protect lives and livelihoods. That includes investing in research and modeling, and enhancing data accessibility, for resilient energy infrastructure.The Weather-Safe Energy Act prioritizes these urgent needs and recognizes the importance of systems to translate research and data into practical application. The Woodwell Climate Research Center thanks Congresswoman Leger Fernández for her leadership on this bill and for recognizing the urgent risk of extreme weather."

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