US SB2152 | 2015-2016 | 114th Congress

Status

Completed Legislative Action
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 15-9)
Status: Passed on February 8 2016 - 100% progression
Action: 2016-02-08 - Became Public Law No: 114-121. (TXT | PDF)
Text: Latest bill text (Enrolled) [PDF]

Summary

Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (Sec. 3) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to partner with the governments of sub-Saharan African countries, international financial institutions, and African regional economic communities, cooperatives, and private sectors to: promote first-time access to power services for at least 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020; encourage the installation of at least 20,000 additional megawatts of electrical power in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020; promote reliable and affordable power in urban, rural, and under served areas; encourage necessary reforms to support electricity access projects and market-based power generation and distribution; promote policies to displace kerosene lighting with other technologies; promote an energy development strategy for sub-Saharan Africa that includes the use of oil, natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal power; and promote the use of private financing and seek ways to remove barriers to private financing and assistance for projects, including through charitable organizations. (Sec. 4) The President shall: (1) establish a multiyear strategy to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa implement national power strategies and develop an appropriate mix of power solutions to provide access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in order to reduce poverty and drive economic growth and job creation; and (2) ensure that the strategy remains responsive to local community concerns and technological innovation. The President may establish an interagency working group to coordinate the activities of U.S. government departments and agencies involved in carrying out the strategy. (Sec. 5) The U.S. Agency for International Development, the Trade and Development Agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation are urged to: (1) prioritize efforts and assistance for power projects and markets in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) partner with other investors and local institutions, including private sector actors, to increase access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power. (Sec. 6) The President should use U.S. influence at international bodies to advocate for: increasing investment in power sector and electrification projects in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing energy needs of individuals and communities where electricity grid access is impractical or cost-prohibitive, enhancing private sector coordination, and assisting sub-Saharan African governments to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to investment. (Sec. 7) Within three years the President shall transmit a strategy progress report to Congress which includes information regarding: (1) U.S. programs supporting policy and legislative changes leading to increased power generation and access in sub-Saharan Africa, and (2) power projects receiving U.S. government support.

Tracking Information

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Title

Electrify Africa Act of 2015

Sponsors


History

DateChamberAction
2016-02-08HouseBecame Public Law No: 114-121. (TXT | PDF)
2016-02-08HouseSigned by President.
2016-02-03HousePresented to President.
2016-02-01HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2016-02-01HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H396-398)
2016-02-01HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2152.
2016-02-01HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H396-400)
2016-02-01HouseMr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2015-12-18HouseReferred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2015-12-18HouseReceived in the House.
2015-12-18SenateMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
2015-12-18SenatePassed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8863-8865)
2015-12-18SenateS.Amdt.2939 Amendment SA 2939 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
2015-12-18SenateS.Amdt.2939 Amendment SA 2939 proposed by Senator McConnell for Senator Corker. (consideration: CR S8863; text: CR S8863)
2015-12-18SenateThe committee amendments agreed to by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8861-8863)
2015-12-18SenateMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8861-8865)
2015-12-08SenateBy Senator Corker from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 114-176.
2015-11-05SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 291.
2015-11-05SenateCommittee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with amendments. Without written report.
2015-10-08SenateCommittee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
2015-10-07SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Same As/Similar To

HB2847 (Related) 2015-06-23 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
SB1933 (Related) 2015-08-04 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Subjects


US Congress State Sources


Bill Comments

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