US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

2 U.S.C. § 2162

Capitol Power Plant

(a)

Designation

33 Stat. 479The heating, lighting, and power plant constructed under the terms of the Act approved (, chapter 1762) shall be known as the “Capitol Power Plant”.

(b)

Definition

In this section, the term “carbon dioxide energy efficiency” means the quantity of electricity used to power equipment for carbon dioxide capture and storage or use.

(c)

Feasibility study

The Architect of the Capitol shall conduct a feasibility study evaluating the available methods to capture, store, and use carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol Power Plant as a result of burning fossil fuels. In carrying out the feasibility study, the Architect of the Capitol is encouraged to consult with individuals with expertise in carbon capture and storage or use, including experts with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and industry, as appropriate. The study shall consider—
(1)
the availability of technologies to capture and store or use Capitol Power Plant carbon dioxide emissions;
(2)
strategies to conserve energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the Capitol Power Plant; and
(3)
other factors as determined by the Architect of the Capitol.
(d)

Demonstration projects

(1)

In general

If the feasibility study determines that a demonstration project to capture and store or use Capitol Power Plant carbon dioxide emissions is technologically feasible and economically justified (including direct and indirect economic and environmental benefits), the Architect of the Capitol may conduct 1 or more demonstration projects to capture and store or use carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol Power Plant as a result of burning fossil fuels.

(2)

Factors for consideration

In carrying out such demonstration projects, the Architect of the Capitol shall consider—
(A)
the amount of Capitol Power Plant carbon dioxide emissions to be captured and stored or used;
(B)
whether the proposed project is able to reduce air pollutants other than carbon dioxide;
(C)
the carbon dioxide energy efficiency of the proposed project;
(D)
whether the proposed project is able to use carbon dioxide emissions;
(E)
whether the proposed project could be expanded to significantly increase the amount of Capitol Power Plant carbon dioxide emissions to be captured and stored or used;
(F)
the potential environmental, energy, and educational benefits of demonstrating the capture and storage or use of carbon dioxide at the U.S. Capitol; and
(G)
other factors as determined by the Architect of the Capitol.
(3)

Terms and conditions

A demonstration project funded under this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.

(e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the feasibility study and demonstration project $3,000,000. Such sums shall remain available until expended.

Mar. 4, 1911, ch. 28536 Stat. 1414Mar. 3, 1921, ch. 12441 Stat. 1291Pub. L. 110–140, title V, § 505(2)121 Stat. 1657(, ; , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

act Apr. 28, 1904, ch. 176233 Stat. 45233 Stat. 479Act approved , referred to in subsec. (a), is , , which provided, at , an appropriation for the construction of a heating, lighting and power plant in connection with the office building for the House of Representatives to furnish the necessary heat, light, and power for the office building for the House of Representatives, the Capitol building, the Congressional Library building, and for such other public buildings erected after , on grounds adjacent to the Capitol grounds at the east of the Capitol building and facing the same.

Codification

Pub. L. 107–217, § 1116 Stat. 1062Section was classified to section 185 of former Title 40, prior to the enactment of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by , , .

Section is based on act , popularly known as the “Sundry Civil Appropriation Act, fiscal year 1912”. It followed an appropriation for the Capitol power plant.

Amendments

Pub. L. 110–140section 2001 of this title2007— added text of section and struck out former text which read as follows: “The heating, lighting, and power plant constructed under the terms of the Act approved , shall be known as the ‘Capitol power plant’; and all vacancies occurring in the force operating said plant and the substations in connection therewith shall be filled by the Architect of the Capitol with the approval of the commission in control of the House Office Building appointed under .”

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

section 1801 of this titleChange of name of Architect of the Capitol, functions abolished, transferred, etc., by prior acts, see Prior Provisions and Change of Name notes set out under former .

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–140section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140section 1824 of this titleAmendment by effective on the date that is 1 day after , see , set out as an Effective Date note under .

Management and Operation of the Capitol Power Plant

Pub. L. 108–447, div. G, title I, § 1101118 Stat. 3185

“(a)

Definition .—

In this section, the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means—
“(1)
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
“(2)
the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate; and
“(3)
the House Office Building Commission.
“(b)

Study of Contract With a Private Entity .—

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [], the Comptroller General shall conduct a study and submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the Architect of the Capitol a report that—
“(1)
analyzes the costs, cost effectiveness, benefits, and feasibility of the Architect of the Capitol entering into a contract with a private entity for the management and operation of the Capitol Power Plant; and
“(2)
makes a recommendation on whether the Architect of the Capitol should enter into such a contract.
“(c)

Implementation Plan .—

If the Comptroller General makes a recommendation under subsection (b)(2) in favor of entering into a contract, the Architect of the Capitol shall submit an implementation plan for that contract to the appropriate congressional committees not later than the later of—
“(1)
270 days after the date of enactment of this Act []; or
“(2)
the date of the completion of the West Refrigeration Plant.
“(d)

Contract .—

Subject to the approval of the appropriate congressional committees, the Architect of the Capitol shall enter into a contract with a private entity for the management and operation of the Capitol Power Plant.
“(e)

Effective Date .—

This section shall apply to fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter.”
, , , provided that:

General Services Administration Coal Yard

Pub. L. 100–458, title I102 Stat. 2170

Capitol Power Plant“That appropriations under this head [“”] shall hereafter be available for maintenance, alterations, personal and other services, and for all other necessary expenses of the Government owned property, buildings and facilities located in Lot 803, Square 695, formerly known as the General Services Administration Coal Yard at 42 I Street, S.E., in the District of Columbia.”
, , , provided: