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Bill

HR 6981

SHINE Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Juan Ciscomani and 3 co-sponsors

Create a voluntary, online permitting platform to accelerate residential distributed energy system approvals nationwide, with training, incentives, and a $20M/year funding.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6981

SHINE Act of 2026 (H.R. 6981)

Purpose

  • Create and support a voluntary, streamlined permitting and inspection process for approving qualifying distributed energy systems (DES) at the local, state, and Tribal levels.
  • The bill aims to reduce barriers and timelines for deploying residential DES such as solar, storage, EV charging, and hydrogen refueling capabilities, by standardizing processes and enabling online permitting.

Key Definitions

  • Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): Any state, county, local, or Tribal office or official responsible for permitting, inspections, or approval of DES installations.
  • Qualifying Distributed Energy System (DES): Residential-scale equipment or installations that support onsite/local energy use, including:
    • Solar photovoltaic systems and similar solar tech
    • Wind power systems
    • Battery storage (≥ 2 kWh)
    • Plug-in electric vehicle charging (≥ 2 kW)
    • Hydrogen fuel cell EV refueling

Provisions and Requirements

  • Program Establishment (Section 2):

    • The Secretary of Energy must, within 180 days of enactment, develop and promote a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection program for AHJs.
    • The program is to be developed in consultation with trade associations and entities representing DES installers, as well as State, local, and Tribal permitting bodies.

  • Program Activities (Section 2(c)):

    • Expand an exemplary streamlined permitting process, including an online permitting platform to:
    • Expedite, standardize, and streamline permitting for DES
    • Allow AHJs to voluntarily use the platform to receive, review, and approve DES permits
    • Set targets for AHJ adoption of the streamlined process
    • Provide technical assistance and training to AHJs, including guidance on building codes
    • Develop a voluntary inspection protocol and related tools to expedite inspections, including:
    • Exploring remote inspections
    • Exploring sample-based inspections for high-quality installers
    • Integrating the inspection protocol with the online permitting platform and other government software platforms
    • Take other actions to expedite, standardize, streamline, or improve permitting, inspecting, or interconnection of DES

  • Support Services (Section 2(d)):

    • The Secretary must provide technical assistance to AHJs, the online platform administrator, government software providers, and other appropriate entities
    • The Secretary may provide financial assistance from appropriated funds as needed

  • AHJ Certification Program (Section 2(e)):

    • The Secretary may certify AHJs that implement the exemplary streamlined permitting process
    • Certification can be conferred through existing DOE programs
    • The Secretary may award prizes to AHJs to encourage adoption of the streamlined permitting process or the voluntary inspection protocol

  • Funding (Section 2(f)):

    • Authorization of appropriations of $20 million per fiscal year for 2027–2030 to carry out the Act

Who is Affected

  • Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs): State, county, local, and Tribal offices responsible for permitting, inspections, or approvals of DES.
  • DES Installers and Trade Groups: Entities involved in installing residential DES and related technologies; potential beneficiaries of training and streamlined processes.
  • Residents/Property Owners: Homeowners and occupants seeking faster, standardized permitting for DES installations.
  • Online Permitting Platform and Government Software Providers: Entities involved in operating and integrating the streamlined permitting system and inspection tools.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Effective Timeline:

    • The online permitting streamlined process and associated program must be developed within 180 days after enactment.
    • Ongoing implementation and adoption targets to be pursued by AHJs under the program.

  • Implementation Vehicles:

    • DOE-led program in consultation with stakeholders
    • Possible use of existing DOE programs to certify AHJs
    • Potential prize incentives to encourage participation

Potential Impact

  • Accelerated deployment of residential DES by reducing permitting and inspection delays
  • Increased consistency in permitting standards across jurisdictions
  • Enhanced use of online permitting and remote or simplified inspections
  • Greater participation by AHJs through training and certification
  • Clear incentives (prizes) and potential funding to support adoption

Summary

The SHINE Act of 2026 seeks to streamline and voluntaryize the permitting and inspection process for qualifying distributed energy systems at the local and state levels. By creating an online permitting platform, establishing adoption targets, offering technical assistance and training, and exploring modern inspection methods (including remote and sample-based inspections), the bill aims to reduce regulatory friction and shorten timelines for residential DES installations, while maintaining safety and code compliance. It authorizes $20 million annually from 2027 to 2030 to support these efforts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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