42 USC CHAPTER 152, SUBCHAPTER IV, Part C: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 152—ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITYSUBCHAPTER IV—ENERGY SAVINGS IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Part C—Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

§17151. Definitions

In this part:

(1) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a State;

(B) an eligible unit of local government; and

(2) Eligible unit of local government

The term "eligible unit of local government" means—

(A) an eligible unit of local government-alternative 1; and

(B) an eligible unit of local government-alternative 2.

(3)(A) Eligible unit of local government-alternative 1

The term "eligible unit of local government-alternative 1" means—

(i) a city with a population—

(I) of at least 35,000; or

(II) that causes the city to be 1 of the 10 highest-populated cities of the State in which the city is located; and

(ii) a county with a population—

(I) of at least 200,000; or

(II) that causes the county to be 1 of the 10 highest-populated counties of the State in which the county is located.

(B) Eligible unit of local government-alternative 2

The term "eligible unit of local government-alternative 2" means—

(i) a city with a population of at least 50,000; or

(ii) a county with a population of at least 200,000.

(4) Indian tribe

The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.

(5) Program

The term "program" means the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program established under section 17152(a) of this title.

(6) State

The term "State" means—

(A) a State;

(B) the District of Columbia;

(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §541, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1667.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

§17152. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program", under which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities in accordance with this part.

(b) Purpose

The purpose of the program shall be to assist eligible entities in implementing strategies—

(1) to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the jurisdictions of eligible entities in a manner that—

(A) is environmentally sustainable; and

(B) to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;

(2) to reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and

(3) to improve energy efficiency in—

(A) the transportation sector;

(B) the building sector; and

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §542, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1668.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

§17153. Allocation of funds

(a) In general

Of amounts made available to provide grants under this part for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate—

(1) 34 percent to eligible units of local government—alternative 1, in accordance with subsection (b);

(2) 34 percent to eligible units of local government—alternative 2, in accordance with subsection (b);

(3) 28 percent to States in accordance with subsection (c);

(4) 2 percent to Indian tribes in accordance with subsection (d); and

(5) 2 percent for competitive grants under section 17156 of this title.

(b) Eligible units of local government

Of amounts available for distribution to eligible units of local government under subsection (a)(1) or (2), the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible units of local government under this section based on a formula established by the Secretary according to—

(1) the populations served by the eligible units of local government, according to the latest available decennial census; and

(2) the daytime populations of the eligible units of local government and other similar factors (such as square footage of commercial, office, and industrial space), as determined by the Secretary.

(c) States

Of amounts available for distribution to States under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall provide—

(1) not less than 1.25 percent to each State; and

(2) the remainder among the States, based on a formula to be established by the Secretary that takes into account—

(A) the population of each State; and

(B) any other criteria that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(d) Indian tribes

Of amounts available for distribution to Indian tribes under subsection (a)(3), the Secretary shall establish a formula for allocation of the amounts to Indian tribes, taking into account any factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(e) Publication of allocation formulas

Not later than 90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year for which grants are provided under this part, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the formulas for allocation established under this section.

(f) State and local advisory committee

The Secretary shall establish a State and local advisory committee to advise the Secretary regarding administration, implementation, and evaluation of the program.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §543, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title IV, §404(a), (b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 143.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–5, §404(a)(2), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "68 percent to eligible units of local government in accordance with subsection (b);".

Subsec. (a)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 111–5, §404(a), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (4) as (3) to (5), respectively.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–5, §404(b), substituted "subsection (a)(1) or (2)" for "subsection (a)(1)" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

§17154. Use of funds

An eligible entity may use a grant received under this part to carry out activities to achieve the purposes of the program, including—

(1) development and implementation of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy under section 17155(b) of this title;

(2) retaining technical consultant services to assist the eligible entity in the development of such a strategy, including—

(A) formulation of energy efficiency, energy conservation, and energy usage goals;

(B) identification of strategies to achieve those goals—

(i) through efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption; and

(ii) by encouraging behavioral changes among the population served by the eligible entity;

(D) development and publication of annual reports to the population served by the eligible entity describing—

(i) the strategies and goals; and

(ii) the progress made in achieving the strategies and goals during the preceding calendar year; and

(E) other services to assist in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy;

(3) conducting residential and commercial building energy audits;

(4) establishment of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements;

(5) the provision of grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for the purpose of performing energy efficiency retrofits;

(6) development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, including—

(A) design and operation of the programs;

(B) identifying the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates;

(D) measurement and verification protocols; and

(E) identification of energy efficient technologies;

(7) development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation, including—

(A) use of flex time by employers;

(B) satellite work centers;

(D) development of infrastructure, such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways;

(E) synchronization of traffic signals; and

(F) other measures that increase energy efficiency and decrease energy consumption;

(8) development and implementation of building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency;

(9) application and implementation of energy distribution technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency, including—

(A) distributed resources; and

(B) district heating and cooling systems;

(10) activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency;

(11) the purchase and implementation of technologies to reduce, capture, and, to the maximum extent practicable, use methane and other greenhouse gases generated by landfills or similar sources;

(12) replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting technologies, including—

(A) light emitting diodes; and

(B) any other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency;

(13) development, implementation, and installation on or in any government building of the eligible entity of onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources, including—

(A) solar energy;

(B) wind energy;

(D) biomass;

(14) programs for financing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure), capital investments, projects, and programs, which may include loan programs and performance contracting programs, for leveraging of additional public and private sector funds, and programs that allow rebates, grants, or other incentives for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure) measures; and

(15) any other appropriate activity, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with—

(A) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

(B) the Secretary of Transportation; and

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §544, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1669; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title V, §40552(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1076.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pars. (14), (15). Pub. L. 117–58 added par. (14) and redesignated former par. (14) as (15).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Wage Rate Requirements

For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of Pub. L. 117–58, including authority of Secretary of Labor, see section 18851 of this title.

§17155. Requirements for eligible entities

(a) Construction requirement

(1) In general

To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, each eligible applicant shall submit to the Secretary a written assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by any contractor or subcontractor of the eligible entity during any construction, alteration, or repair activity funded, in whole or in part, by the grant shall be paid wages at rates not less than the prevailing wages for similar construction activities in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, in accordance with sections 3141 through 3144, 3146, and 3147 of title 40.

(2) Secretary of Labor

With respect to the labor standards referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions described in—

(A) Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (5 U.S.C. 903 note); ¹ and

(B) section 3145 of title 40.

(b) Eligible units of local government and Indian tribes

(1) Proposed strategy

(A) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date on which an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe receives a grant under this part, the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe shall submit to the Secretary a proposed energy efficiency and conservation strategy in accordance with this paragraph.

(B) Inclusions

The proposed strategy under subparagraph (A) shall include—

(i) a description of the goals of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe, in accordance with the purposes of this part, for increased energy efficiency and conservation in the jurisdiction of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe; and

(ii) a plan for the use of the grant to assist the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe in achieving those goals, in accordance with section 17154 of this title.

(C) Requirements for eligible units of local government

In developing the strategy under subparagraph (A), an eligible unit of local government shall—

(i) take into account any plans for the use of funds by adjacent eligible units of local governments that receive grants under the program; and

(ii) coordinate and share information with the State in which the eligible unit of local government is located regarding activities carried out using the grant to maximize the energy efficiency and conservation benefits under this part.

(2) Approval by Secretary

(A) In general

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed strategy under paragraph (1) by not later than 120 days after the date of submission of the proposed strategy.

(B) Disapproval

If the Secretary disapproves a proposed strategy under subparagraph (A)—

(i) the Secretary shall provide to the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe the reasons for the disapproval; and

(ii) the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe may revise and resubmit the proposed strategy as many times as necessary until the Secretary approves a proposed strategy.

(C) Requirement

The Secretary shall not provide to an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe any grant under the program until a proposed strategy of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe is approved by the Secretary under this paragraph.

(3) Limitations on use of funds

Of amounts provided to an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe under the program, an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe may use—

(A) for administrative expenses, excluding the cost of meeting the reporting requirements of this part, an amount equal to the greater of—

(i) 10 percent; and ²

(ii) $75,000;

(B) for the establishment of revolving loan funds, an amount equal to the greater of—

(i) 20 percent; and ²

(ii) $250,000; and

(C) for the provision of subgrants to nongovernmental organizations for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe, an amount equal to the greater of—

(i) 20 percent; and ²

(ii) $250,000.

(4) Annual report

Not later than 2 years after the date on which funds are initially provided to an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe under the program, and annually thereafter, the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe shall submit to the Secretary a report describing—

(A) the status of development and implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe; and

(B) as practicable, an assessment of energy efficiency gains within the jurisdiction of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe.

(c) States

(1) Distribution of funds

(A) In general

A State that receives a grant under the program shall use not less than 60 percent of the amount received to provide subgrants to units of local government in the State that are not eligible units of local government.

(B) Deadline

The State shall provide the subgrants required under subparagraph (A) by not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary approves a proposed energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the State under paragraph (3).

(2) Revision of conservation plan; proposed strategy

Not later than 120 days after December 19, 2007, each State shall—

(A) modify the State energy conservation plan of the State under section 6322 of this title to establish additional goals for increased energy efficiency and conservation in the State; and

(B) submit to the Secretary a proposed energy efficiency and conservation strategy that—

(i) establishes a process for providing subgrants as required under paragraph (1); and

(ii) includes a plan of the State for the use of funds received under the program to assist the State in achieving the goals established under subparagraph (A), in accordance with sections 17152(b) and 17154 of this title.

(3) Approval by Secretary

(A) In general

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed strategy under paragraph (2)(B) by not later than 120 days after the date of submission of the proposed strategy.

(B) Disapproval

If the Secretary disapproves a proposed strategy under subparagraph (A)—

(i) the Secretary shall provide to the State the reasons for the disapproval; and

(ii) the State may revise and resubmit the proposed strategy as many times as necessary until the Secretary approves a proposed strategy.

(C) Requirement

The Secretary shall not provide to a State any grant under the program until a proposed strategy of the State is approved by the Secretary under this paragraph.

(4) Limitations on use of funds

A State may use not more than 10 percent of amounts provided under the program for administrative expenses.

(5) Annual reports

Each State that receives a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes—

(A) the status of development and implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the State during the preceding calendar year;

(B) the status of the subgrant program of the State under paragraph (1);

(C) the energy efficiency gains achieved through the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the State during the preceding calendar year; and

(D) specific energy efficiency and conservation goals of the State for subsequent calendar years.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §545, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1670.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Section 903 of Title 5 relates to Presidential authority regarding reorganization plans.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "or".

§17156. Competitive grants

(a) In general

Of the total amount made available for each fiscal year to carry out this part, the Secretary shall use not less than 2 percent to provide grants under this section, on a competitive basis, to—

(1) units of local government (including Indian tribes) that are not eligible entities; and

(2) consortia of units of local government described in paragraph (1).

(b) Applications

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a unit of local government or consortia shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a plan of the unit of local government to carry out an activity described in section 17154 of this title.

(c) Priority

In providing grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to units of local government—

(1) located in States with populations of less than 2,000,000; or

(2) that plan to carry out projects that would result in significant energy efficiency improvements or reductions in fossil fuel use.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §546, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1673.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

§17157. Review and evaluation

(a) In general

The Secretary may review and evaluate the performance of any eligible entity that receives a grant under the program, including by conducting an audit, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(b) Withholding of funds

The Secretary may withhold from an eligible entity any portion of a grant to be provided to the eligible entity under the program if the Secretary determines that the eligible entity has failed to achieve compliance with—

(1) any applicable guideline or regulation of the Secretary relating to the program, including the misuse or misappropriation of funds provided under the program; or

(2) the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible entity.

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §547, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1674.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

§17158. Funding

(a) Authorization of appropriations

(1) Grants

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the provision of grants under the program $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

(2) Administrative costs

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for administrative expenses of the program—

(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009;

(B) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011; and

(b) Maintenance of funding

The funding provided under this section shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding provided under—

(1) a State energy conservation plan established under part D of title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.); or

(2) the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.).

(Pub. L. 110–140, title V, §548, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1674; Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title IV, §404(c), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 143.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 94–163, Dec. 22, 1975, 89 Stat. 871. Part D of title III of the Act is classified generally to part B (§6321 et seq.) of subchapter III of chapter 77 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6201 of this title and Tables.

The Energy Conservation and Production Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 94–385, Aug. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1125. Part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to part A (§6861 et seq.) of subchapter III of chapter 81 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6801 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–5 struck out "; provided that 49 percent of the appropriated funds shall be distributed using the definition of eligible unit of local government-alternative 1 in section 17151(3)(A) of this title and 49 percent of the appropriated funds shall be distributed using the definition of eligible unit of local government-alternative 2 in section 17151(3)(B) of this title" after "2012".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.