Big energy priorities, real contractor impacts. In this issue of Inside Washington, we break down how congressional action on nuclear power, cybersecurity, and environmental regulation is opening doors for NECA contractors, plus what to watch as a government shutdown deadline approaches.
👋 Welcome to January’s edition of Inside Washington!
Big energy priorities, real contractor impacts. In this issue of Inside Washington, we break down how congressional action on nuclear power, cybersecurity, and environmental regulation is opening doors for NECA contractors, plus what to watch as a government shutdown deadline approaches.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s get started!
House Hearings Highlight Opportunities for NECA Contractors 
U.S. Seeks Nuclear Energy Expansion: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing spotlighting nuclear power as crucial for competing with China and Russia.
Key legislation includes the bipartisan ADVANCE Act and the $2.7 billion Uranium Enrichment Fund to boost domestic fuel supply.
NECA notes: For NECA contractors, this focus presents major opportunities. The Government Affairs team raised questions on regulatory burdens and nuclear-energy transmission needs.
Grid Cybersecurity and Emergency Response: On January 13, the Energy Subcommittee discussed legislation to bolster U.S. energy infrastructure against threats.
The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, reauthorizing a $250 million annual program, was moved for full House consideration.
NECA notes: The program provides rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and small investor-owned utilities with resources to detect, protect, and respond to cyber threats.   
New WOTUS guidance earns NECA support
The Supreme Court’s May 2023 Sackett decision has redefined the scope of the Clean Water Act by narrowing the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS).
Why it matters: This decision limits federal jurisdiction to traditionally navigable waters, excluding areas like semi-recurring flood plains and most man-made irrigation ditches. This change significantly reduces regulatory burdens for contractors, particularly in wetland and desert regions.
Details: Following the ruling, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed updated guidance to align with the Sackett framework, ensuring clearer jurisdictional standards nationwide.
NECA notes: NECA submitted comments in support of the EPA’s proposed WOTUS guidance and interpretation, which will significantly lower the regulatory burden for contractors operating in impacted environments, particularly near wetlands and in desert regions.
The federal government is on the brink of another shutdown with funding set to expire at midnight on January 30.
Why it matters: The looming deadline threatens to disrupt operations across several government sectors, affecting services and employees nationwide.
While some agencies have been funded through September (Veteran Affairs, Military Construction projects, Agriculture, FDA, and the Legislative Branch), nine out of twelve annual spending bills still need to pass before the January 30 deadline.
The latest: The House passed a package last week covering the following areas: Commerce-Justice-Science (includes Commerce Department, DOJ, NASA, and USTR), Energy and Water Development (includes Army Corps, DOE, and Bureau of Reclamation), and Interior-Environment (including EPA and Interior Department).
While there have been discussions about passing a larger package of remaining bills together, particularly Defense, Labor, HHS, Homeland Security, and Education programs, the situation remains fluid.
 
What’s next: NECA is closely monitoring developments as the January 30 deadline approaches.
There are only two weeks remaining in the 2025 Chairman's Challenge!
Congratulations to our 2025 Chairman’s Challenge winner – San Diego Chapter NECA!   
San Diego Chapter: 61 Points  
American Line Builders Chapter: 43 Points  
Chicago & Cook County Chapter: 32 Points  
Thank you to every chapter and member who participated!
Why it matters: The Chairman’s Challenge strengthens NECA’s grassroots advocacy through in-district congressional engagement, action alerts, and Legislative Conference participation. We look forward to continuing this for 2026!
Both Capitol Competition and Chairman’s Challenge leaderboards have officially reset for the new year.   
Save The Date: 2026 Legislative Conference 
Join us in Washington, D.C., May 4–6, at the Willard InterContinental. Connect with fellow NECA members, hear what's happening in Congress, and meet with your representatives on the Hill.
NECA, 1201 Penn. Ave. NW, Suite 1200, Washington, D.C. 20004
