The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4553, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation includes an amendment from Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) that increases funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy by $6.8 million.
Congressman Griffith commented on the adoption of his amendment and the bill’s passage, stating: “I am glad the House adopted my amendment to the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which directs additional millions of federal dollars to the DOE Office of Fossil Energy. This is a critical office that develops innovative technologies for America to pioneer on the global stage.
“The bill also supports nuclear energy innovation. Virginia’s Ninth District is exploring the potential of nuclear energy and is home to an abundance of natural resources and emissions reduction technologies. With this powerful combination, we can burn coal cleaner than anywhere else in the world and guide the world towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“By advancing this appropriations bill, we can secure America’s electric grid, lower energy costs for consumers and unleash American energy dominance.”
Griffith has represented Virginia’s 9th district in Congress since 2011 after succeeding Rick Boucher. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 2000 to 2010. He was born in Philadelphia in 1958 and resides in Salem. Griffith holds a BA from Emory and Henry College (1980) and a JD from Washington and Lee University (1983).
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, Griffith has focused on supporting industries important to Southwest Virginia. In November 2024, he attended COP29 in Azerbaijan, highlighting American innovations in climate technology.
Griffith also sponsors legislation such as the Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025, which aims to help maintain power plant operations when needed for grid reliability by allowing regional organizations or state commissions to petition federal regulators.
H.R. 4553 will next be considered by the U.S. Senate.
