S. 703

Introduced

Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act

Introduced 3/11/2015•114th Congress•Senate

Congress.gov

Latest Action

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 114-166.

4/30/2015 • Senate

Summary

Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act

This bill amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income persons through FY2020.

The Department of Energy (DOE) must make competitive grants to qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations for energy efficiency retrofit of low-income homes. The grants may be used for single-family and multifamily housing.

Contractors carrying out weatherization with funds under the bill must be selected through a competitive bidding process and be accredited as specified by this bill. In order to receive a grant, organizations must use a crew chief who is certified or accredited as required by this bill.

Beginning on October 1, 2016, DOE must ensure that: (1) each retrofit for which weatherization assistance is provided meets minimum efficiency and quality of work standards, (2) at least 10% of the dwelling units are randomly inspected by an accredited third party to ensure compliance with the standards, and (3) the standards meet or exceed the current industry standards for home performance work.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended to reauthorize the program for state energy conservation plans through FY2020.

Introduced in Senate • 3/11/2015

Enter your district to see how this bill affects your community

Topics & Subjects

Policy Area: Energy

Energy assistance for the poor and agedEnergy efficiency and conservationLow- and moderate-income housingPublic contracts and procurementResidential rehabilitation and home repairSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsState and local government operations