Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen Georgia’s energy security.
Today, Sens. Ossoff and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the bipartisan American Energy SecurityAct to help cities and localities strengthen energy infrastructure and lower energy costs for families.
The bipartisan bill would formally authorize the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Safety Modernization grant program, which provides Federal grant funding to help communities replace and upgrade critical infrastructure, improving the safe and reliable transportation of fuel to families and businesses.
The Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Safety Modernization grant program was created through the bipartisan infrastructure law but is set to expire. The bipartisan American Energy Security Act would formally authorize the grant program through 2029.
Sen. Ossoff has successfully delivered Federal funding through this grant program to communities across Georgia — including an historic $8.4 million grant to the City of Toccoa last year to replace aged, leaking natural gas pipes to lower energy costs and improve the reliability of services for small businesses and residents in the area — and to the cities of Lawrenceville, Hawkinsville, Buford, Winder, Hartwell, Tifton, Eatonton, Perry, and Thomasville.
“This legislation will strengthen Georgia’s energy security by helping our cities modernize infrastructure. I am leading this bipartisan legislation with Sen. Cassidy to protect families, support growth, and ensure reliable, safe energy for years to come,” Sen. Ossoff said.
“America and the world run on Louisiana natural gas,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We strengthen our country by strengthening our pipeline system.”
“The City of Toccoa was the recipient of an $8.5 million dollar grant award from the Bipartisan NGDISM Grant. This award allows our city to repair and replace aging gas lines providing a huge layer of protection for our community. We reached out to Senator Ossoff, and he led the way for our success in receiving the award. He understands the needs of small communities that have no resources for budgeting projects that are mandated by the federal government. This grant affects every citizen in our community by providing safety and enhancing quality of life,” said Gail Fry, former Mayor of Toccoa, GA. “The American Energy Security Act will provide opportunities for more communities to provide reliable and safe avenues for aging infrastructure.”
“Our 85 municipal gas utilities, and the communities they serve, are grateful for Senators Ossoff and Cassidy introducing the bipartisan, American Energy Security Act to authorize funding the very successful Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program. This important legislation provides needed investment in the modernization of existing public gas distribution pipelines across the nation ensuring the safety and longevity of existing pipeline infrastructure. Funding programs such as NGDISM create even more opportunities for jobs, improve pipeline safety, and reduce emissions,” said Arthur Corbin, President & CEO of the Gas Authority.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen American energy security.
Last year, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced over $49 million through the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to improve grid redundancy and resilience.
In 2022, Sen. Ossoff passed his Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act into law, which helped spur a historic clean energy investment in Northwest Georgia by Qcells.
Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan American Energy Security Act.
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