S-703 : Still Just a Bill


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.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2015-04-30CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 114-166.Senate
2015-03-11IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
2015-03-11IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress
2015-03-11IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Energy
Related Subjects
  • Energy assistance for the poor and aged
  • Energy efficiency and conservation
  • Low- and moderate-income housing
  • Public contracts and procurement
  • Residential rehabilitation and home repair
  • Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
  • State and local government operations
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

Related Bills

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