[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7325 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7325
To make grants to support online training of residential contractors
and rebates for the energy efficiency upgrades of homes, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 24, 2020
Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. McKinley, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Cardenas, Mr.
Carson of Indiana, and Mrs. Hayes) introduced the following bill; which
was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition
to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To make grants to support online training of residential contractors
and rebates for the energy efficiency upgrades of homes, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``HOPE for HOMES Act
of 2020''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--HOPE TRAINING
Sec. 101. Notice for HOPE Qualification training and grants.
Sec. 102. Course criteria.
Sec. 103. HOPE Qualification.
Sec. 104. Grants.
Sec. 105. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--HOME ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT REBATE PROGRAM
Sec. 201. Establishment of Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program.
Sec. 202. Partial system rebates.
Sec. 203. State administered rebates.
Sec. 204. Special provisions for moderate income households.
Sec. 205. Evaluation reports to Congress.
Sec. 206. Administration.
Sec. 207. Treatment of rebates.
Sec. 208. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 301. Appointment of personnel.
Sec. 302. Maintenance of funding.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Contractor certification.--The term ``contractor
certification'' means an industry recognized certification that
may be obtained by a residential contractor to advance the
expertise and education of the contractor in energy efficiency
retrofits of residential buildings, including--
(A) a certification provided by--
(i) the Building Performance Institute;
(ii) the Air Conditioning Contractors of
America;
(iii) the National Comfort Institute;
(iv) the North American Technician
Excellence;
(v) RESNET;
(vi) the United States Green Building
Council; or
(vii) Home Innovation Research Labs; and
(B) any other certification the Secretary
determines appropriate for purposes of the Home Energy
Savings Retrofit Rebate Program.
(2) Contractor company.--The term ``contractor company''
means a company--
(A) the business of which is to provide services to
residential building owners with respect to HVAC
systems, insulation, air sealing, or other services
that are approved by the Secretary;
(B) that holds the licenses and insurance required
by the State in which the company provides services;
and
(C) that provides services for which a partial
system rebate, measured performance rebate, or modeled
performance rebate may be provided pursuant to the Home
Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program.
(3) Energy audit.--The term ``energy audit'' means an
inspection, survey, and analysis of the energy use of a
building, including the building envelope and HVAC system.
(4) Home.--The term ``home'' means a residential dwelling
unit in a building with no more than 4 dwelling units that--
(A) is located in the United States;
(B) was constructed before the date of enactment of
this Act; and
(C) is occupied at least 6 months out of the year.
(5) Home energy savings retrofit rebate program.--The term
``Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program'' means the Home
Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program established under
section 201.
(6) Homeowner.--The term ``homeowner'' means the owner of
an owner-occupied home or a tenant-occupied home.
(7) Home valuation certification.--The term ``home
valuation certification'' means the following home assessments:
(A) Home Energy Score.
(B) PEARL Certification.
(C) National Green Building Standard.
(D) LEED.
(E) Any other assessment the Secretary determines
to be appropriate.
(8) HOPE qualification.--The term ``HOPE Qualification''
means the qualification described in section 103.
(9) HOPE training credit.--The term ``HOPE training
credit'' means a HOPE training task credit or a HOPE training
supplemental credit.
(10) HOPE training task credit.--The term ``HOPE training
task credit'' means a credit described in section 102(a).
(11) HOPE training supplemental credit.--The term ``HOPE
training supplemental credit'' means a credit described in
section 102(b).
(12) HVAC system.--The term ``HVAC system'' means a
system--
(A) consisting of a heating component, a
ventilation component, and an air-conditioning
component; and
(B) which components may include central air
conditioning, a heat pump, a furnace, a boiler, a
rooftop unit, and a window unit.
(13) Measured performance rebate.--The term ``measured
performance rebate'' means a rebate provided in accordance with
section 203 and described in subsection (e) of that section.
(14) Modeled performance rebate.--The term ``modeled
performance rebate'' means a rebate provided in accordance with
section 203 and described in subsection (d) of that section.
(15) Moderate income.--The term ``moderate income'' means,
with respect to a household, a household with an annual income
that is less than 80 percent of the area median income, as
determined annually by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
(16) Partial system rebate.--The term ``partial system
rebate'' means a rebate provided in accordance with section
202.
(17) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(18) State.--The term ``State'' includes--
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(D) Guam;
(E) American Samoa;
(F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands;
(G) the United States Virgin Islands; and
(H) any other territory or possession of the United
States.
(19) State energy office.--The term ``State energy office''
means the office or agency of a State responsible for
developing the State energy conservation plan for the State
under section 362 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42
U.S.C. 6322).
TITLE I--HOPE TRAINING
SEC. 101. NOTICE FOR HOPE QUALIFICATION TRAINING AND GRANTS.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, acting through the Director of the Building Technologies
Office of the Department of Energy, shall issue a notice that
includes--
(1) criteria established under section 102 for approval by
the Secretary of courses for which credits may be issued for
purposes of a HOPE Qualification;
(2) a list of courses that meet such criteria and are so
approved; and
(3) information on how individuals and entities may apply
for grants under this title.
SEC. 102. COURSE CRITERIA.
(a) HOPE Training Task Credit.--
(1) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish criteria for
approval of a course for which a credit, to be known as a HOPE
training task credit, may be issued, including that such
course--
(A) is equivalent to at least 30 hours in total
course time;
(B) is accredited by the Interstate Renewable
Energy Council or is determined to be equivalent by the
Secretary;
(C) is, with respect to a particular job, aligned
with the relevant National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Job Task Analysis, or other credentialing program
foundation that helps identify the necessary core
knowledge areas, critical work functions, or skills, as
approved by the Secretary;
(D) has established learning objectives; and
(E) includes, as the Secretary determines
appropriate, an appropriate assessment of such learning
objectives that may include a final exam, to be
proctored on-site or through remote proctoring, or an
in-person field exam.
(2) Included courses.--The Secretary shall approve one or
more courses that meet the criteria described in paragraph (1)
for training related to--
(A) contractor certification;
(B) energy auditing or assessment;
(C) home energy systems (including HVAC systems);
(D) insulation installation and air leakage
control;
(E) health and safety regarding the installation of
energy efficiency measures or health and safety impacts
associated with energy efficiency retrofits; and
(F) indoor air quality.
(b) HOPE Training Supplemental Credit Criteria.--The Secretary
shall establish criteria for approval of a course for which a credit,
to be known as a HOPE training supplemental credit, may be issued,
including that such course provides--
(1) training related to--
(A) small business success, including management,
home energy efficiency software, or general accounting
principles;
(B) the issuance of a home valuation certification;
(C) the use of wifi-enabled technology in an energy
efficiency upgrade; or
(D) understanding and being able to participate in
the Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program; and
(2) as the Secretary determines appropriate, an appropriate
assessment of such training that may include a final exam, to
be proctored on-site or through remote proctoring, or an in-
person field exam.
(c) Existing Approved Courses.--The Secretary may approve a course
that meets the applicable criteria established under this section that
is approved by the applicable State energy office or relevant State
agency with oversight authority for residential energy efficiency
programs.
(d) In-Person and Online Training.--An online course approved
pursuant to this section may be conducted in-person, but may not be
offered exclusively in-person.
SEC. 103. HOPE QUALIFICATION.
(a) Issuance of Credits.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, or an entity authorized by
the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2), may issue--
(A) a HOPE training task credit to any individual
that completes a course that meets applicable criteria
under section 102; and
(B) a HOPE training supplemental credit to any
individual that completes a course that meets the
applicable criteria under section 102.
(2) Other entities.--The Secretary may authorize a State
energy office implementing an authorized program under
subsection (b)(2), an organization described in section 104(b),
and any other entity the Secretary determines appropriate, to
issue HOPE training credits in accordance with paragraph (1).
(b) HOPE Qualification.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may certify that an
individual has achieved a qualification, to be known as a HOPE
Qualification, that indicates that the individual has received
at least 3 HOPE training credits, of which at least 2 shall be
HOPE training task credits.
(2) State programs.--The Secretary may authorize a State
energy office to implement a program to provide HOPE
Qualifications in accordance with this title.
SEC. 104. GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, to the extent amounts are
made available in appropriations Acts for such purposes, provide grants
to support the training of individuals toward the completion of a HOPE
Qualification.
(b) Provider Organizations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide a grant of up to
$20,000 under this section to an organization to provide
training online, including establishing, modifying, or
maintaining the online systems, staff time, and software and
online program management, through a course that meets the
applicable criteria established under section 102.
(2) Criteria.--In order to receive a grant under this
subsection, an organization shall be--
(A) a nonprofit organization;
(B) an educational institution; or
(C) an organization that has experience providing
training to contractors that work with the
weatherization assistance program implemented under
part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and
Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.) or equivalent
experience, as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Additional certifications.--In addition to any grant
provided under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide an
organization up to $5,000 for each additional course for which
a HOPE training credit may be issued that is offered by the
organization.
(c) Contractor Company.--The Secretary may provide a grant under
this section of $1,000 per employee to a contractor company, up to a
maximum of $10,000, to reimburse the contractor company for training
costs for employees, and any home technology support needed for an
employee to receive training pursuant to this section. Grant funds
provided under this subsection may be used to support wages of
employees during training.
(d) Trainees.--The Secretary may provide a grant of up to $1,000
under this section to an individual who receives a HOPE Qualification.
(e) State Energy Office.--The Secretary may provide a grant under
this section to a State energy office of up to $25,000 to implement an
authorized program under section 103(b).
SEC. 105. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$500,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2020 through 2025.
TITLE II--HOME ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT REBATE PROGRAM
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF HOME ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT REBATE PROGRAM.
The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the Home
Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program, to--
(1) provide rebates in accordance with section 202; and
(2) provide grants to States to carry out programs to
provide rebates in accordance with section 203.
SEC. 202. PARTIAL SYSTEM REBATES.
(a) Amount of Rebate.--In carrying out the Home Energy Savings
Retrofit Rebate Program, and subject to the availability of
appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary shall provide a
homeowner a rebate, to be known as a partial system rebate, of, except
as provided in section 204, up to--
(1) $800 for the purchase and installation of insulation
and air sealing within a home of the homeowner; and
(2) $1,500 for the purchase and installation of insulation
and air sealing within a home of the homeowner and replacement
of an HVAC system, the heating component of an HVAC system, or
the cooling component of an HVAC system, of such home.
(b) Specifications.--
(1) Cost.--The amount of a partial system rebate provided
under this section shall, except as provided in section 204,
not exceed 30 percent of cost of the purchase and installation
of insulation and air sealing under subsection (a)(1), or the
purchase and installation of insulation and air sealing and
replacement of an HVAC system, the heating component of an HVAC
system, or the cooling component of an HVAC system, under
subsection (a)(2). Labor may be included in such cost but may
not exceed--
(A) in the case of a rebate under subsection
(a)(1), 50 percent of such cost; and
(B) in the case of a rebate under subsection
(a)(2), 25 percent of such cost.
(2) Replacement of an hvac system, the heating component of
an hvac system, or the cooling component of an hvac system.--In
order to qualify for a partial system rebate described in
subsection (a)(2)--
(A) any HVAC system, heating component of an HVAC
system, or cooling component of an HVAC system
installed shall be Energy Star Most Efficient
certified;
(B) installation of such an HVAC system, the
heating component of an HVAC system, or the cooling
component of an HVAC system, shall be completed in
accordance with standards specified by the Secretary
that are at least as stringent as the applicable
guidelines of the Air Conditioning Contractors of
America that are in effect on the date of enactment of
this Act;
(C) if ducts are present, replacement of an HVAC
system, the heating component of an HVAC system, or the
cooling component of an HVAC system shall include duct
sealing; and
(D) the installation of insulation and air sealing
shall occur within 6 months of the replacement of the
HVAC system, the heating component of an HVAC system,
or the cooling component of an HVAC system.
(c) Additional Incentives for Contractors.--In carrying out the
Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program, the Secretary may provide
a $250 payment to a contractor per home for which--
(1) a partial system rebate is provided under this section
for the installation of insulation and air sealing, or
installation of insulation and air sealing and replacement of
an HVAC system, the heating component of an HVAC system, or the
cooling component of an HVAC system, by the contractor;
(2) the applicable homeowner has signed and submitted to
the Secretary a release form made available pursuant to section
206(b) authorizing the contractor access to information in the
utility bills of the homeowner; and
(3) the contractor inputs, into the Department of Energy's
Building Performance Database--
(A) the energy usage for the home for the 12 months
preceding, and the 24 months following, the
installation of insulation and air sealing or
installation of insulation and air sealing and
replacement of an HVAC system, the heating component of
an HVAC system, or the cooling component of an HVAC
system;
(B) a description of such installation or
installation and replacement; and
(C) the total cost to the homeowner for such
installation or installation and replacement.
(d) Process.--
(1) Forms; rebate processing system.--Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall--
(A) develop and make available rebate forms
required to receive a partial system rebate under this
section;
(B) establish a Federal rebate processing system
which shall serve as a database and information
technology system that will allow homeowners to submit
required rebate forms; and
(C) establish a website that provides information
on partial system rebates provided under this section,
including how to determine whether particular measures
qualify for a rebate under this section and how to
receive such a rebate.
(2) Submission of forms.--In order to receive a partial
system rebate under this section, a homeowner shall submit the
required rebate forms, and any other information the Secretary
determines appropriate, to the Federal rebate processing system
established pursuant to paragraph (1).
(e) Funding.--
(1) Limitation.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary may
not use more than 50 percent of the amounts made available to
carry out this title to carry out this section.
(2) Allocation.--The Secretary shall allocate amounts made
available to carry out this section for partial system rebates
among the States using the same formula as is used to allocate
funds for States under part D of title III of the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.).
SEC. 203. STATE ADMINISTERED REBATES.
(a) Funding.--In carrying out the Home Energy Savings Retrofit
Rebate Program, and subject to the availability of appropriations for
such purpose, the Secretary shall provide grants to States to carry out
programs to provide rebates in accordance with this section.
(b) State Participation.--
(1) Plan.--In order to receive a grant under this section a
State shall submit to the Secretary an application that
includes a plan to implement a State program that meets the
minimum criteria under subsection (c).
(2) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after receipt of a
completed application for a grant under this section, the
Secretary shall either approve the application or provide to
the applicant an explanation for denying the application.
(c) Minimum Criteria for State Programs.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish
and publish minimum criteria for a State program to meet to qualify for
funding under this section, including--
(1) that the State program be carried out by the applicable
State energy office or its designee;
(2) that a rebate be provided under a State program only
for a home energy efficiency retrofit that--
(A) is completed by a contractor who meets minimum
training requirements and certification requirements
set forth by the Secretary;
(B) includes installation of one or more home
energy efficiency retrofit measures for a home that
together are modeled to achieve, or are shown to
achieve, a reduction in home energy use of 20 percent
or more from the baseline energy use of the home;
(C) does not include installation of any measure
that the Secretary determines does not improve the
thermal energy performance of the home, such as a pool
pump, pool heater, spa, or EV charger; and
(D) includes, after installation of the applicable
home energy efficiency retrofit measures, a test-out
procedure conducted in accordance with guidelines
issued by the Secretary of such measures to ensure--
(i) the safe operation of all systems post
retrofit; and
(ii) that all improvements are included in,
and have been installed according to--
(I) manufacturers installation
specifications; and
(II) all applicable State and local
codes or equivalent standards approved
by the Secretary;
(3) that the State program utilize--
(A) for purposes of modeled performance rebates,
modeling software approved by the Secretary for
determining and documenting the baseline energy use of
a home and the reductions in home energy use resulting
from the implementation of a home energy efficiency
retrofit; and
(B) for purposes of measured performance rebates,
methods and procedures approved by the Secretary for
determining and documenting the baseline energy use of
a home and the reductions in home energy use resulting
from the implementation of a home energy efficiency
retrofit, including methods and procedures for use of
advanced metering infrastructure, weather-normalized
data, and open source standards, to measure such
baseline energy use and such reductions in home energy
use;
(4) that the State program include implementation of a
quality assurance program--
(A) to ensure that home energy efficiency retrofits
are achieving the stated level of energy savings, that
efficiency measures were installed correctly, and that
work is performed in accordance with procedures
developed by the Secretary, including through quality-
control inspections for a portion of home energy
efficiency retrofits completed by each applicable
contractor; and
(B) under which a quality-control inspection of a
home energy efficiency retrofit is performed by a
quality assurance provider who--
(i) is independent of the contractor for
such retrofit; and
(ii) will confirm that such contractor is a
contractor who meets minimum training
requirements and certification requirements set
forth by the Secretary;
(5) that the State program include requirements for a
homeowner, contractor, or rebate aggregator to claim a rebate,
including that the homeowner, contractor, or rebate aggregator
submit any applicable forms approved by the Secretary to the
State, including a copy of the certificate provided by the
applicable contractor certifying projected or measured
reduction of home energy use;
(6) that the State program may include requirements for an
entity to be eligible to serve as a rebate aggregator to
facilitate the delivery of rebates to homeowners or
contractors;
(7) that the State program include procedures for a
homeowner to transfer the right to claim a rebate to the
contractor performing the applicable home energy efficiency
retrofit or to a rebate aggregator that works with the
contractor; and
(8) that the State program provide that a homeowner,
contractor, or rebate aggregator may claim more than one rebate
under the State program, and may claim a rebate under the State
program after receiving a partial system rebate under section
202, provided that no 2 rebates may be provided with respect to
a home using the same baseline energy use of such home.
(d) Modeled Performance Rebates.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out a State program under this
section, a State may provide a homeowner, contractor, or rebate
aggregator a rebate, to be known as a modeled performance
rebate, for an energy audit of a home and a home energy
efficiency retrofit that is projected, using modeling software
approved by the Secretary, to reduce home energy use by at
least 20 percent.
(2) Amount.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in section 204,
and subject to subparagraph (B), the amount of a
modeled performance rebate provided under a State
program shall be equal to 50 percent of the cost of the
applicable energy audit of a home and home energy
efficiency retrofit, including the cost of diagnostic
procedures, labor, reporting, and modeling.
(B) Limitation.--Except as provided in section 204,
with respect to an energy audit and home energy
efficiency retrofit that is projected to reduce home
energy use by--
(i) at least 20 percent, but less than 40
percent, the maximum amount of a modeled
performance rebate shall be $2,000; and
(ii) at least 40 percent, the maximum
amount of a modeled performance rebate shall be
$4,000.
(e) Measured Performance Rebates.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out a State program under this
section, a State may provide a homeowner, contractor, or rebate
aggregator a rebate, to be known as a measured performance
rebate, for a home energy efficiency retrofit that reduces home
energy use by at least 20 percent as measured using methods and
procedures approved by the Secretary.
(2) Amount.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in section 204,
and subject to subparagraph (B), the amount of a
measured performance rebate provided under a State
program shall be equal to 50 percent of the cost,
including the cost of diagnostic procedures, labor,
reporting, and energy measurement, of the applicable
home energy efficiency retrofit.
(B) Limitation.--Except as provided in section 204,
with respect to a home energy efficiency retrofit that
is measured as reducing home energy use by--
(i) at least 20 percent, but less than 40
percent, the maximum amount of a measured
performance rebate shall be $2,000; and
(ii) at least 40 percent, the maximum
amount of a measured performance rebate shall
be $4,000.
(f) Coordination of Rebate and Existing State-Sponsored or Utility-
Sponsored Programs.--A State that receives a grant under this section
is encouraged to work with State agencies, energy utilities,
nonprofits, and other entities--
(1) to assist in marketing the availability of the rebates
under the applicable State program;
(2) to coordinate with utility or State managed financing
programs;
(3) to assist in implementation of the applicable State
program, including installation of home energy efficiency
retrofits; and
(4) to coordinate with existing quality assurance programs.
(g) Administration and Oversight.--
(1) Review of approved modeling software.--The Secretary
shall, on an annual basis, list and review all modeling
software approved for use in determining and documenting the
reductions in home energy use for purposes of modeled
performance rebates under subsection (d). In approving such
modeling software each year, the Secretary shall ensure that
modeling software approved for a year will result in modeling
of energy efficiency gains for any type of home energy
efficiency retrofit that is at least as substantial as the
modeling of energy efficiency gains for such type of home
energy efficiency retrofit using the modeling software approved
for the previous year.
(2) Oversight.--If the Secretary determines that a State is
not implementing a State program that was approved pursuant to
subsection (b) and that meets the minimum criteria under
subsection (c), the Secretary may, after providing the State a
period of at least 90 days to meet such criteria, withhold
grant funds under this section from the State.
SEC. 204. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR MODERATE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.
(a) Certifications.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for
certifying that the household of a homeowner is moderate income for
purposes of this section.
(b) Percentages.--Subject to subsection (c), for households of
homeowners that are certified pursuant to the procedures established
under subsection (a) as moderate income the--
(1) amount of a partial system rebate under section 202
shall not exceed 60 percent of the applicable purchase and
installation costs described in section 202(b)(1); and
(2) amount of--
(A) a modeled performance rebate under section 203
provided shall be equal to 80 percent of the applicable
costs described in section 203(d)(2)(A); and
(B) a measured performance rebate under section 203
provided shall be equal to 80 percent of the applicable
costs described in section 203(e)(2)(A).
(c) Maximum Amounts.--For households of homeowners that are
certified pursuant to the procedures established under subsection (a)
as moderate income the maximum amount--
(1) of a partial system rebate--
(A) under section 202(a)(1) for the purchase and
installation of insulation and air sealing within a
home of the homeowner shall be $1,600; and
(B) under section 202(a)(2) for the purchase and
installation of insulation and air sealing within a
home of the homeowner and replacement of an HVAC
system, the heating component of an HVAC system, or the
cooling component of an HVAC system, of such home,
shall be $3,000;
(2) of a modeled performance rebate under section 203 for
an energy audit and home energy efficiency retrofit that is
projected to reduce home energy use as described in--
(A) section 203(d)(2)(B)(i) shall be $4,000; and
(B) section 203(d)(2)(B)(ii) shall be $8,000; and
(3) of a measured performance rebate under section 203 for
a home energy efficiency retrofit that reduces home energy use
as described in--
(A) section 203(e)(2)(B)(i) shall be $4,000; and
(B) section 203(e)(2)(B)(ii) shall be $8,000.
(d) Outreach.--The Secretary shall establish procedures to--
(1) provide information to households of homeowners that
are certified pursuant to the procedures established under
subsection (a) as moderate income regarding other programs and
resources relating to assistance for energy efficiency upgrades
of homes, including the weatherization assistance program
implemented under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation
and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.); and
(2) refer such households, as applicable, to such other
programs and resources.
SEC. 205. EVALUATION REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act and annually thereafter until the termination of the Home
Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the use of funds made available to carry out this
title.
(b) Contents.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) how many home energy efficiency retrofits have been
completed during the previous year under the Home Energy
Savings Retrofit Rebate Program;
(2) an estimate of how many jobs have been created through
the Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program, directly and
indirectly;
(3) a description of what steps could be taken to promote
further deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy
retrofits;
(4) a description of the quantity of verifiable energy
savings, homeowner energy bill savings, and other benefits of
the Home Energy Savings Retrofit Rebate Program;
(5) a description of any waste, fraud, or abuse with
respect to funds made available to carry out this title; and
(6) any other information the Secretary considers
appropriate.
SEC. 206. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide such administrative
and technical support to contractors, rebate aggregators, States, and
Indian Tribes as is necessary to carry out this title.
(b) Information Collection.--The Secretary shall establish, and
make available to a homeowner, or the homeowner's designated
representative, seeking a rebate under this title, release forms
authorizing access by the Secretary, or a designated third-party
representative to information in the utility bills of the homeowner
with appropriate privacy protections in place.
SEC. 207. TREATMENT OF REBATES.
For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, gross income
shall not include any rebate received under this title.
SEC. 208. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this title $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2020 through 2025, to remain available until expended.
(b) Tribal Allocation.--Of the amounts made available pursuant to
subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall work with Indian
Tribes and use 2 percent of such amounts to carry out a program or
programs that as close as possible reflect the goals, requirements, and
provisions of this title, taking into account any factors that the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 301. APPOINTMENT OF PERSONNEL.
Notwithstanding the provisions of title 5, United States Code,
regarding appointments in the competitive service and General Schedule
classifications and pay rates, the Secretary may appoint such
professional and administrative personnel as the Secretary considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
SEC. 302. MAINTENANCE OF FUNDING.
Each State receiving Federal funds pursuant to this Act shall
provide reasonable assurances to the Secretary that it has established
policies and procedures designed to ensure that Federal funds provided
under this Act will be used to supplement, and not to supplant, State
and local funds.
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