Co-Chairs Lawler & Ross Introduce Bill to Promote Moldovan Energy Independence

Washington, D.C. - 6/10/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Deborah Ross (NC-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Moldova Caucus, introduced the Promoting Oversight With Energy Resilience for Moldova, or the POWER Moldova Act of 2026.

This legislation would help Moldova build more secure and independent energy infrastructure by tracking progress on key energy milestones and encouraging information sharing on new energy technologies. Energy independence in Moldova would improve its security and strengthen its role as a reliable strategic partner to the United States and a democratic bulwark against Russian influence and aggression.

Moldova has made large strides in reducing its dependence on Russian energy, including through participation in the Vertical Gas Corridor, a regional initiative to diversify energy supply and reduce reliance on Russia. Moldova's need for independent energy sources was further highlighted following Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure in March 2026, in which the Moldovan government declared a 60-day state of alert.

The POWER Moldova Act would encourage the Moldovan Ministry of Energy to work with the U.S. Departments of State and Energy to increase the country's renewable energy production by instituting a reporting requirement. This legislation follows the introduction of Representatives Ross and Lawler's legislation, the 2023 U.S.-Moldova Defense Partnership Act, which would help assist Moldova in its defense needs amidst Russia's war against Ukraine.

"The United States and Moldova have maintained a strong partnership for over three decades, a relationship that has taken on renewed importance amid the Sandu Administration's work on European integration and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," said Congressman Lawler. "This legislation will provide Congress with a clearer understanding of where our relationship is strong and where we can be more helpful to our partner to ensure long-term resilience in the face of regional threats."

"Moldova continues to stand strong in the face of Russian interference and aggression," said Congresswoman Ross. "To protect their sovereignty and the security of the region, we must ensure Moldova can access long-term, reliable sources of energy. My home state of North Carolina has served as a strategic partner to Moldova for over 30 years. Supporting Moldova's energy independence strengthens democratic partners and creates opportunities for deeper cooperation that benefit both North Carolinians and the Moldovan people. I will continue working with Congressman Lawler to promote a secure future for the people of Moldova and strengthen the U.S.-Moldova partnership for years to come."

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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