Part A—Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons
§6861. Congressional findings and purpose
(a) The Congress finds that—
(1) a fast, cost-effective, and environmentally sound way to prevent future energy shortages in the United States while reducing the Nation's dependence on imported energy supplies, is to encourage and facilitate, through major programs, the implementation of energy conservation and renewable-resource energy measures with respect to dwelling units;
(2) existing efforts to encourage and facilitate such measures are inadequate because—
(A) many dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons are energy inefficient;
(B) low-income persons can least afford to make the modifications necessary to provide for efficient energy equipment in such dwellings and otherwise to improve the energy efficiency of such dwellings;
(3) weatherization of such dwellings would lower shelter costs in dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons as well as save energy and reduce future energy capacity requirements; and
(4) States, through Community Action Agencies established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [
(b) It is, therefore, the purpose of this part to develop and implement a weatherization assistance program to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total residential energy expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, the handicapped, and children.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is
Amendments
1990—
"(a) The Congress finds that—
"(1) dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons frequently are inadequately insulated;
"(2) low-income persons, particularly elderly and handicapped low-income persons, can least afford to make the modifications necessary to provide for adequate insulation in such dwellings and to otherwise reduce residential energy use;
"(3) weatherization of such dwellings would lower utility expenses for such low-income owners or occupants as well as save thousands of barrels per day of needed fuel; and
"(4) States, through community action agencies established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and units of general purpose local government, should be encouraged, with Federal financial and technical assistance, to develop and support coordinated weatherization programs designed to ameliorate the adverse effects of high energy costs on such low-income persons, to supplement other Federal programs serving such persons, and to conserve energy.
"(b) It is, therefore, the purpose of this part to develop and implement a supplementary weatherization assistance program to assist in achieving a prescribed level of insulation in the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly elderly and handicapped low-income persons, in order both to aid those persons least able to afford higher utility costs and to conserve needed energy."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Weatherization Assistance Program
"(a)
"(b)
[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
§6862. Definitions
As used in this part:
(1) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.
(2) The term "Director" means the Director of the Community Services Administration.
(3) The term "elderly" means any individual who is 60 years of age or older.
(4) The term "Governor" means the chief executive officer of a State (including the Mayor of the District of Columbia).
(5) The term "handicapped person" means any individual (A) who is an individual with a disability, as defined in
(6) The terms "Indian", "Indian tribe", and "tribal organization" have the meanings prescribed for such terms by
(7) The term "low-income" means that income in relation to family size which (A) is at or below 200 percent of the poverty level determined in accordance with criteria established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, except that the Secretary may establish a higher level if the Secretary, after consulting with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the Community Services Administration, determines that such a higher level is necessary to carry out the purposes of this part and is consistent with the eligibility criteria established for the weatherization program under
(8)
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(9) The term "weatherization materials" means—
(A) caulking and weatherstripping of doors and windows;
(B) furnace efficiency modifications, including, but not limited to—
(i) replacement burners, furnaces, or boilers or any combination thereof;
(ii) devices for minimizing energy loss through heating system, chimney, or venting devices; and
(iii) electrical or mechanical furnace ignition systems which replace standing gas pilot lights;
(C) clock thermostats;
(D) ceiling, attic, wall, floor, and duct insulation;
(E) water heater insulation;
(F) storm windows and doors, multiglazed windows and doors, heat-absorbing or heat-reflective window and door materials;
(G) cooling efficiency modifications, including, but not limited to, replacement air-conditioners, ventilation equipment, screening, window films, and shading devices;
(H) solar thermal water heaters;
(I) wood-heating appliances; and
(J) such other insulating or energy conserving devices or technologies, including renewable energy technologies and other advanced technologies, as the Secretary may determine, after consulting with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 102(7) of the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act [
The Social Security Act, referred to in par. (7), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, referred to in par. (7), is title XXVI of
Amendments
2020—Par. (9)(J).
2009—Par. (7).
2007—Par. (8).
2006—Par. (6).
2005—Par. (7).
1998—Par. (5)(A).
1992—Par. (9)(G) to (J).
1990—Par. (9)(G), (H).
1988—Par. (9)(G).
1984—Par. (7)(C).
Par. (9)(B).
Par. (9)(C).
1980—Par. (1).
Pars. (7), (9)(G).
1978—Par. (5).
Par. (7)(A).
Par. (9).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Amendment by
Use of Appropriations
Community Services Administration
Community Services Administration, which was established by section 601 of Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended (
1 See References in Text note below.
§6863. Weatherization program
(a) Development and conduct of program by Secretary; grants to States and Indian tribal organizations
The Secretary shall develop and conduct, in accordance with the purpose and provisions of this part, a weatherization program. In developing and conducting such program, the Secretary may, in accordance with this part and regulations promulgated under this part, make grants (1) to States, and (2) in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d), to Indian tribal organizations to serve Native Americans. Such grants shall be made for the purpose of providing financial assistance with regard to projects designed to provide for the weatherization of dwelling units, particularly those where elderly or handicapped low-income persons reside, occupied by low-income families.
(b) Consultation by Secretary with other Federal departments and agencies on development and publication in Federal Register of proposed regulations; required regulatory provisions; standards and procedures; rental units
(1) The Secretary, after consultation with the Director, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, and the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies as the Secretary deems appropriate, shall develop and publish in the Federal Register for public comment, not later than 60 days after August 14, 1976, proposed regulations to carry out the provisions of this part. The Secretary shall take into consideration comments submitted regarding such proposed regulations and shall promulgate and publish final regulations for such purpose not later than 90 days after August 14, 1976. The development of regulations under this part shall be fully coordinated with the Director.
(2) The regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall include provisions—
(A) prescribing, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Department of Commerce, for use in various climatic, structural, and human need settings, standards for weatherization materials, energy conservation techniques, and balance combinations thereof, which are designed to achieve a balance of a healthful dwelling environment and maximum practicable energy conservation;
(B) that provide guidance to the States in the implementation of this part, including guidance designed to ensure that a State establishes (i) procedures that provide protection under paragraph (5) to tenants paying for energy as a portion of their rent, and (ii) a process for monitoring compliance with its obligations pursuant to this part; and
(C) that secure the Federal investment made under this part and address the issues of eviction from and sale of property receiving weatherization materials under this part.
(3) The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretaries and Director described in paragraph (2)(A) and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall develop and publish in the Federal Register for public comment, not later than 60 days after November 9, 1978, proposed amendments to the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1). Such amendments shall provide that the standards described in paragraph (2)(A) shall include a set of procedures to be applied to each dwelling unit to determine the optimum set of cost-effective measures, within the cost guidelines set for the program, to be installed in such dwelling unit. Such standards shall, in order to achieve such optimum savings of energy, take into consideration the following factors—
(A) the cost of the weatherization material;
(B) variation in climate; and
(C) the value of energy saved by the application of the weatherization material.
Such standards shall be utilized by the Secretary in carrying out this part, and by the Secretary of Agriculture in carrying out the weatherization program under
(4) The Secretary may amend the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) to provide that the standards described in paragraph (2)(A) take into consideration improvements in the health and safety of occupants of dwelling units, and other non-energy benefits, from weatherization.
(5) In carrying out paragraphs (2)(A) and (3), the Secretary shall establish the standards and procedures described in such paragraphs so that weatherization efforts being carried out under this part and under programs described in the fourth sentence of paragraph (3) will accomplish uniform results among the States in any area with a similar climatic condition.
(6) In any case in which a dwelling consists of a rental unit or rental units, the State, in the implementation of this part, shall ensure that—
(A) the benefits of weatherization assistance in connection with such rental units, including units where the tenants pay for their energy through their rent, will accrue primarily to the low-income tenants residing in such units;
(B) for a reasonable period of time after weatherization work has been completed on a dwelling containing a unit occupied by an eligible household, the tenants in that unit (including households paying for their energy through their rent) will not be subjected to rent increases unless those increases are demonstrably related to matters other than the weatherization work performed;
(C) the enforcement of subparagraph (B) is provided through procedures established by the State by which tenants may file complaints and owners, in response to such complaints, shall demonstrate that the rent increase concerned is related to matters other than the weatherization work performed; and
(D) no undue or excessive enhancement will occur to the value of such dwelling units.
(7) As a condition of having assistance provided under this part with respect to multifamily buildings, a State may require financial participation from the owners of such buildings.
(c) Failure of State to submit application; alternate application by any unit of general purpose local government or community action agency; submission of amended application by State
If a State does not, within 90 days after the date on which final regulations are promulgated under this section, submit an application to the Secretary which meets the requirements set forth in
(d) Direct grants to low-income members of Indian tribal organizations or alternate service organizations; application for funds
(1) Reservation of amounts
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B) and notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Secretary shall reserve from amounts that would otherwise be allocated to a State under this part not less than 100 percent, but not more than 150 percent, of an amount which bears the same proportion to the allocation of that State for the applicable fiscal year as the population of all low-income members of an Indian tribe in that State bears to the population of all low-income individuals in that State.
(B) Restrictions
Subparagraph (A) shall apply only if—
(i) the tribal organization serving the low-income members of the applicable Indian tribe requests that the Secretary make a grant directly; and
(ii) the Secretary determines that the low-income members of the applicable Indian tribe would be equally or better served by making a grant directly than a grant made to the State in which the low-income members reside.
(C) Presumption
If the tribal organization requesting the grant is a tribally designated housing entity (as defined in
(2) Administration
The amounts reserved by the Secretary under this subsection shall be granted to the tribal organization serving the low-income members of the Indian tribe, or, where there is no tribal organization, to such other entity as the Secretary determines has the capacity to provide services pursuant to this part.
(3) Application
In order for a tribal organization or other entity to be eligible for a grant for a fiscal year under this subsection, it shall submit to the Secretary an application meeting the requirements set forth in
(e) Transfer of funds
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may transfer to the Director sums appropriated under this part to be utilized in order to carry out programs, under section 222(a)(12) of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c), is
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(4) to (7).
2018—Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (d)(3).
1993—Subsec. (b)(1).
1990—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C).
Subsec. (b)(5), (6).
1988—Subsec. (b)(2)(A).
1984—Subsec. (b)(1), (2)(A).
1980—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1), (3).
Subsec. (b)(4).
Subsec. (c).
Subsecs. (d), (e).
1978—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by
Weatherization Assistance Grants Cost Sharing
Provisions of
Community Services Administration
Community Services Administration, which was established by section 601 of Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended (
§6864. Financial assistance
(a) Annual application; contents; allocation to States
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance, from sums appropriated for any fiscal year under this part, only upon annual application. Each such application shall describe the estimated number and characteristics of the low-income persons and the number of dwelling units to be assisted and the criteria and methods to be used by the applicant in providing weatherization assistance to such persons. The application shall also contain such other information (including information needed for evaluation purposes) and assurances as may be required (1) in the regulations promulgated pursuant to
(A) The number of dwelling units to be weatherized.
(B) The climatic conditions in the State respecting energy conservation, which may include consideration of annual degree days.
(C) The type of weatherization work to be done in the various settings.
(D) Such other factors as the Secretary may determine necessary, such as the cost of heating and cooling, in order to carry out the purpose and provisions of this part.
(b) Requirements for assistance
The Secretary shall not provide financial assistance under this part unless the applicant has provided reasonable assurances that it has—
(1) established a policy advisory council which (A) has special qualifications and sensitivity with respect to solving the problems of low-income persons (including the weatherization and energy-conservation problems of such persons), (B) is broadly representative of organizations and agencies which are providing services to such persons in the State or geographical area in question, and (C) is responsible for advising the responsible official or agency administering the allocation of financial assistance in such State or area with respect to the development and implementation of such weatherization assistance program;
(2) established priorities to govern the provision of weatherization assistance to low-income persons, including methods to provide priority to elderly and handicapped low-income persons, and such priority as the applicant determines is appropriate for single-family or other high-energy-consuming dwelling units;
(3) established policies and procedures designed to assure that financial assistance provided under this part will be used to supplement, and not to supplant, State or local funds, and, to the extent practicable, to increase the amounts of such funds that would be made available in the absence of Federal funds for carrying out the purpose of this part, including plans and procedures (A) for securing, to the maximum extent practicable, the services of volunteers and training participants and public service employment workers, pursuant to title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [
(4) selected on the basis of public comment received during a public hearing conducted pursuant to
(c) Annual update of data used in allocating funds
Effective with fiscal year 1991, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall update the population, eligible households, climatic, residential energy use, and all other data used in allocating the funds under this part among the States pursuant to subsection (a).
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (b)(3).
1998—Subsec. (b)(3).
1990—Subsec. (a)(D).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (c).
1980—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(38)] of
§6864a. Private sector investments
(a) In general
The Secretary shall, to the extent funds are made available for such purpose, provide financial assistance to entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State through a weatherization assistance program under section 6863 or
(b) Use of funds
Financial assistance provided under this section may be used for—
(1) the negotiation of such partnerships, agreements and other arrangements;
(2) the presentation of arguments before State or local agencies;
(3) expert advice on the development of such partnerships, agreements, and other arrangements; or
(4) other activities reasonably associated with the development and initial implementation of such arrangements.
(c) Conditions
(1) Financial assistance provided under this section to entities other than States shall, to the extent practicable, coincide with the timing of financial assistance provided to such entities under section 6863 or
(2) Not less than 80 percent of amounts provided under this section shall be provided to entities other than States.
(3) A recipient of financial assistance under this section shall have up to three years to complete projects undertaken with such assistance.
(
§6864b. Technical transfer grants
(a) In general
The Secretary may, to the extent funds are made available, provide financial assistance to entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State through a weatherization assistance program under section 6863 or
(1) evaluating technical and management measures which increase program and/or private entity performance in weatherizing low-income housing;
(2) producing technical information for use by persons involved in weatherizing low-income housing;
(3) exchanging information; and
(4) conducting training programs for persons involved in weatherizing low-income housing.
(b) Conditions
(1) Not less than 50 percent of amounts provided under this section shall be awarded to entities other than States.
(2) A recipient of financial assistance under this section may contract with nonprofit entities to carry out all or part of the activities for which such financial assistance is provided.
(
§6864c. Contractor optimization
(a) In general
The Secretary may request that entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State through a weatherization assistance program under
(b) Use of training funds
Entities described in subsection (a) may use funding described in such subsection to train private, non-Federal entities that are contracted to provide weatherization assistance under a weatherization program, in accordance with rules determined by the Secretary.
(
§6864d. Financial assistance for WAP enhancement and innovation
(a) Purposes
The purposes of this section are—
(1) to expand the number of dwelling units that are occupied by low-income persons that receive weatherization assistance by making such dwelling units weatherization-ready;
(2) to promote the deployment of renewable energy in dwelling units that are occupied by low-income persons;
(3) to ensure healthy indoor environments by enhancing or expanding health and safety measures and resources available to dwellings that are occupied by low-income persons;
(4) to disseminate new methods and best practices among entities providing weatherization assistance; and
(5) to encourage entities providing weatherization assistance to hire and retain employees who are individuals—
(A) from the community in which the assistance is provided; and
(B) from communities or groups that are underrepresented in the home energy performance workforce, including religious and ethnic minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
(b) Financial assistance
The Secretary shall, to the extent funds are made available, award financial assistance, on an annual basis, through a competitive process to entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State, tribal organization, or unit of general purpose local government through a weatherization program under
(1) with respect to dwelling units that are occupied by low-income persons, to—
(A) implement measures to make such dwelling units weatherization-ready by addressing structural, plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues, environmental hazards, or other measures that the Secretary determines to be appropriate;
(B) install energy efficiency technologies, including home energy management systems, smart devices, and other technologies the Secretary determines to be appropriate;
(C) install renewable energy systems (as defined in
(D) implement measures to ensure healthy indoor environments by improving indoor air quality, accessibility, and other healthy homes measures as determined by the Secretary;
(2) to improve the capability of the entity—
(A) to significantly increase the number of energy retrofits performed by such entity;
(B) to replicate best practices for work performed pursuant to this section on a larger scale;
(C) to leverage additional funds to sustain the provision of weatherization assistance and other work performed pursuant to this section after financial assistance awarded under this section is expended; and
(D) to hire and retain employees who are individuals described 1 subsection (a)(5);
(3) for innovative outreach and education regarding the benefits and availability of weatherization assistance and other assistance available pursuant to this section;
(4) for quality control of work performed pursuant to this section;
(5) for data collection, measurement, and verification with respect to such work;
(6) for program monitoring, oversight, evaluation, and reporting regarding such work;
(7) for labor, training, and technical assistance relating to such work;
(8) for planning, management, and administration (up to a maximum of 15 percent of the assistance provided); and
(9) for such other activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(c) Award factors
In awarding financial assistance under this section, the Secretary shall consider—
(1) the applicant's record of constructing, renovating, repairing, or making energy efficient single-family, multifamily, or manufactured homes that are occupied by low-income persons, either directly or through affiliates, chapters, or other partners (using the most recent year for which data are available);
(2) the number of dwelling units occupied by low-income persons that the applicant has built, renovated, repaired, weatherized, or made more energy efficient in the 5 years preceding the date of the application;
(3) the qualifications, experience, and past performance of the applicant, including experience successfully managing and administering Federal funds;
(4) the strength of an applicant's proposal to achieve one or more of the purposes under subsection (a);
(5) the extent to which such applicant will utilize partnerships and regional coordination to achieve one or more of the purposes under subsection (a);
(6) regional and climate zone diversity;
(7) urban, suburban, and rural localities; and
(8) such other factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(d) Applications
(1) Administration
To be eligible for an award of financial assistance under this section, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary an application in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(2) Awards
Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 270 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall make a first award of financial assistance under this section.
(e) Maximum amount and term
(1) In general
The total amount of financial assistance awarded to an entity under this section shall not exceed $2,000,000.
(2) Technical and training assistance
The total amount of financial assistance awarded to an entity under this section shall be reduced by the cost of any technical and training assistance provided by the Secretary that relates to such financial assistance.
(3) Term
The term of an award of financial assistance under this section shall not exceed 3 years.
(4) Relationship to formula grants
An entity may use financial assistance awarded to such entity under this section in conjunction with other financial assistance provided to such entity under this part.
(f) Requirements
Not later than 90 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall issue requirements to implement this section, including, for entities receiving financial assistance under this section—
(1) standards for allowable expenditures;
(2) a minimum saving-to-investment ratio; and
(3) standards for—
(A) training programs;
(B) energy audits;
(C) the provision of technical assistance;
(D) monitoring activities carried out using such financial assistance;
(E) verification of energy and cost savings;
(F) liability insurance requirements; and
(G) recordkeeping and reporting requirements, which shall include reporting to the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs of the Department of Energy applicable data on each dwelling unit retrofitted or otherwise assisted pursuant to this section.
(g) Compliance with State and local law
Nothing in this section supersedes or otherwise affects any State or local law, to the extent that the State or local law contains a requirement that is more stringent than the applicable requirement of this section.
(h) Review and evaluation
The Secretary shall review and evaluate the performance of each entity that receives an award of financial assistance under this section (which may include an audit).
(i) Annual report
The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report that provides a description of—
(1) actions taken under this section to achieve the purposes of this section; and
(2) accomplishments as a result of such actions, including energy and cost savings achieved.
(j) Funding
(1) Amounts
(A) In general
For each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, of the amount made available under
(i) 2 percent of such amount (if such amount is $225,000,000 or more but less than $260,000,000) may be used to carry out this section;
(ii) 4 percent of such amount (if such amount is $260,000,000 or more but less than $300,000,000) may be used to carry out this section; and
(iii) 6 percent of such amount (if such amount is $300,000,000 or more) may be used to carry out this section.
(B) Minimum
For each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, if the amount made available under
(2) Limitation
For any fiscal year, the Secretary may not use more than $25,000,000 of the amount made available under
(k) Termination
The Secretary may not award financial assistance under this section after September 30, 2025.
(
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by "in".
§6864e. Hiring
The Secretary may, as the Secretary determines appropriate, encourage entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State through a weatherization program under
(
§6865. Limitations on financial assistance
(a) Purchase of materials and administration of projects
(1) Not more than an amount equal to 15 percent of any grant made by the Secretary under this part may be used for administrative purposes in carrying out duties under this part, except that not more than one-half of such amount may be used by any State for such purposes, and a State may provide in the plan adopted pursuant to subsection (b) for recipients of grants of less than $350,000 to use up to an additional 5 percent of such grant for administration if the State has determined that such recipient requires such additional amount to implement effectively the administrative requirements established by the Secretary pursuant to this part.
(2) The Secretary shall establish energy audit procedures and techniques which (i) meet standards established by the Secretary after consultation with the State Energy Advisory Board established under
(b) Allocation, termination or discontinuance by Secretary
The Secretary shall insure that financial assistance provided under this part will—
(1) be allocated within the State or area in accordance with a published State or area plan, which is adopted by such State after notice and a public hearing, describing the proposed funding distributions and recipients;
(2) be allocated, pursuant to such State or area plan, to community action agencies carrying out programs under title II of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [
(A) funds will be allocated on the basis of the relative need for weatherization assistance among the low-income persons within such State or area, taking into account appropriate climatic and energy conservation factors; and
(B) due consideration will be given to the results of periodic evaluations of the projects carried out under this part in light of available information regarding the current and anticipated energy and weatherization needs of low-income persons within the State; and
(3) be terminated or discontinued during the application period only in accordance with policies and procedures consistent with the policies and procedures set forth in
(c) Limitations on expenditures; exceptions; annual adjustments
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), the expenditure of financial assistance provided under this part for labor, weatherization materials, and related matters shall not exceed an average of $6,500 per dwelling unit weatherized in that State. Labor, weatherization materials, and related matter includes, but is not limited to—
(A) the appropriate portion of the cost of tools and equipment used to install weatherization materials for a dwelling unit;
(B) the cost of transporting labor, tools, and materials to a dwelling unit;
(C) the cost of having onsite supervisory personnel;
(D) the cost of making incidental repairs to a dwelling unit if such repairs are necessary to make the installation of weatherization materials effective,1 and
(E) the cost of making heating and cooling modifications, including replacement 2
(2) Dwelling units weatherized (including dwelling units partially weatherized) under this part, or under other Federal programs (in this paragraph referred to as "previous weatherization"), may not receive further financial assistance for weatherization under this part until the date that is 15 years after the date such previous weatherization was completed. This paragraph does not preclude dwelling units that have received previous weatherization from receiving assistance and services (including the provision of information and education to assist with energy management and evaluation of the effectiveness of installed weatherization materials) other than weatherization under this part or under other Federal programs, or from receiving non-Federal assistance for weatherization.
(3) Beginning with fiscal year 2000, the dwelling unit averages provided in paragraphs (1) and (4) shall be adjusted annually by increasing the average amount by an amount equal to—
(A) the average amount for the previous fiscal year, multiplied by
(B) the lesser of (i) the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States city average) for the most recent calendar year completed before the beginning of the fiscal year for which the determination is being made, or (ii) three percent.
(4) The expenditure of financial assistance provided under this part for labor, weatherization materials, and related matters for a renewable energy system shall not exceed an average of $3,000 per dwelling unit.
(5)(A) The Secretary shall by regulations—
(i) establish the criteria which are to be used in prescribing performance and quality standards under paragraph (6)(A)(ii) or in specifying any form of renewable energy under paragraph (6)(A)(i)(I); and
(ii) establish a procedure under which a manufacturer of an item may request the Secretary to certify that the item will be treated, for purposes of this paragraph, as a renewable energy system.
(B) The Secretary shall make a final determination with respect to any request filed under subparagraph (A)(ii) within 1 year after the filing of the request, together with any information required to be filed with such request under subparagraph (A)(ii).
(C) Each month the Secretary shall publish a report of any request under subparagraph (A)(ii) which has been denied during the preceding month and the reasons for the denial.
(D) The Secretary shall not specify any form of renewable energy under paragraph (6)(A)(i)(I) unless the Secretary determines that—
(i) there will be a reduction in oil or natural gas consumption as a result of such specification;
(ii) such specification will not result in an increased use of any item which is known to be, or reasonably suspected to be, environmentally hazardous or a threat to public health or safety; and
(iii) available Federal subsidies do not make such specification unnecessary or inappropriate (in the light of the most advantageous allocation of economic resources).
(6) In this subsection—
(A) the term "renewable energy system" means a system which—
(i) when installed in connection with a dwelling, transmits or uses—
(I) solar energy, energy derived from the geothermal deposits, energy derived from biomass, or any other form of renewable energy which the Secretary specifies by regulations, for the purpose of heating or cooling such dwelling or providing hot water or electricity for use within such dwelling; or
(II) wind energy for nonbusiness residential purposes;
(ii) meets the performance and quality standards (if any) which have been prescribed by the Secretary by regulations;
(iii) in the case of a combustion rated system, has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75 percent; and
(iv) in the case of a solar system, has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 15 percent; and
(B) the term "biomass" means any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood wastes and residues, plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, fibers, and animal wastes, municipal wastes, and other waste materials.
(d) Supplementary financial assistance to States
Beginning with fiscal year 1992, the Secretary may allocate funds appropriated pursuant to section 6872(b) 3 of this title to provide supplementary financial assistance to those States which the Secretary determines have achieved the best performance during the previous fiscal year in achieving the purposes of this part. In making this determination, the Secretary shall—
(1) consult with the State Energy Advisory Board established under
(2) give priority to those States which, during such previous fiscal year, obtained a significant portion of income from non-Federal sources for their weatherization programs or increased significantly the portion of low-income weatherization assistance that the State obtained from non-Federal sources.
(e) Supplementary financial assistance to grant recipients
(1)(A) Beginning with fiscal year 1992, the Secretary may allocate, from funds appropriated pursuant to section 6872(b) 3 of this title, among the States an equal amount for each State not to exceed $100,000 per State. Each State shall make available amounts received under this subsection to provide supplementary financial assistance to recipients of grants under this part that have achieved the best performance during the previous fiscal year in advancing the purposes of this part.
(B) None of the funds made available under this subsection may be used by any State for administrative purposes.
(2) The Secretary shall, after consulting with the State Energy Advisory Board referred to in subsection (d)(1), prescribe guidelines to be used by each State in making available supplementary financial assistance under this subsection, with a priority being given to subgrantees that, by law or through administrative or other executive action, provided non-Federal resources (including private resources) to supplement Federal financial assistance under this part during the previous fiscal year.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
2009—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
2005—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4) to (6).
2000—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(1)(E).
Subsec. (c)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4).
1990—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(3), (4).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
1984—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
1980—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(3).
1978—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Performance Fund; Restriction on Use
1 So in original. The comma probably should be a semicolon.
2 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.
3 See References in Text note below.
§6866. Monitoring and evaluation of funded projects; technical assistance; limitation on assistance
The Secretary, in coordination with the Director, shall monitor and evaluate the operation of projects receiving financial assistance under this part through methods provided for in
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2009—
1980—
§6867. Administration of projects receiving financial assistance
(a) Reporting requirements
The Secretary, in consultation with the Director, by general or special orders, may require any recipient of financial assistance under this part to provide, in such form as he may prescribe, such reports or answers in writing to specific questions, surveys, or questionnaires as may be necessary to enable the Secretary and the Director to carry out their functions under this part.
(b) Maintenance of records
Each person responsible for the administration of a weatherization assistance project receiving financial assistance under this part shall keep such records as the Secretary may prescribe in order to assure an effective financial audit and performance evaluation of such project.
(c) Audit and examination of books, etc.
The Secretary, the Director (with respect to community action agencies), and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, information, and records of any project receiving financial assistance under this part that are pertinent to the financial assistance received under this part.
(d) Method of payments
Payments under this part may be made in installments and in advance, or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments or underpayments.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1980—Subsecs. (a) to (c).
§6868. Approval of application or amendment for financial assistance; administrative procedures applicable
(a) The Secretary shall not finally disapprove any application submitted under this part, or any amendment thereto, without first affording the State (or unit of general purpose local government or community action agency under
(b) Reasonable notice under this section shall include a written notice of intention to act adversely (including a statement of the reasons therefor) and a reasonable period of time within which to submit corrective amendments to the application, or to propose corrective action.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1980—Subsec. (a).
§6869. Judicial review of final action by Secretary on application
(a) Time for appeal; jurisdiction; filing of administrative record by Secretary
If any applicant is dissatisfied with the Secretary's final action with respect to the application submitted by it under
(b) Conclusiveness of findings of Secretary; remand; modified findings by Secretary; certification of record
The findings of fact by the Secretary, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive. The court may, for good cause shown, remand the case to the Secretary to take further evidence, and the Secretary may thereupon make new or modified findings of fact and may modify his previous action. The Secretary shall certify to the court the record of any such further proceedings. Such new or modified findings of fact shall likewise be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.
(c) Power of court to affirm or set aside action of Secretary; appeal to Supreme Court
The court shall have jurisdiction to affirm the action of the Secretary or to set it aside, in whole or in part. The judgment of the court shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification, as provided in
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1980—Subsecs. (a) to (c).
§6870. Prohibition against discrimination; notification to funded project of violation; penalties for failure to comply
(a) No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex, or on the ground of any other factor specified in any Federal law prohibiting discrimination, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, project, or activity supported in whole or in part with financial assistance under this part.
(b) Whenever the Secretary determines that a recipient of financial assistance under this part has failed to comply with subsection (a) or any applicable regulation, he shall notify the recipient thereof in order to secure compliance. If, within a reasonable period of time thereafter, such recipient fails to comply, the Secretary shall—
(1) refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that an appropriate civil action be instituted;
(2) exercise the power and functions provided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [
(3) take such other action as may be authorized by law.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is
Amendments
1980—Subsec. (b).
§6871. Annual report by Secretary and Director to President and Congress on weatherization program
The Secretary and (with respect to the operation and effectiveness of activities carried out through community action agencies) the Director shall each submit, on or before March 31, 1977, and annually thereafter, a report to the Congress and the President describing the weatherization assistance program carried out under this part or any other provision of law, including the results of the periodic evaluations and monitoring activities required by
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
1990—
1980—
§6872. Authorization of appropriations
For the purpose of carrying out the weatherization program under this part, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1) $330,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(2) $350,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Pars. (1) to (5).
2007—
2005—
1998—
"(a) There are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of carrying out the weatherization program under this part, other than under subsections (d) and (e) of
"(b) There are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of carrying out the weatherization program under subsections (d) and (e) of
1990—
1983—
1980—
1978—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Amendment by
Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers Grants
"(1)
"(2)
"(A) the expected effectiveness and benefits of the proposed project to low- and moderate-income energy consumers;
"(B) the potential for replication of successful results;
"(C) the impact on the health and safety and energy costs of consumers served; and
"(D) the extent of partnerships with other public and private entities that contribute to the resources and implementation of the program, including financial partnerships.
"(3)
"(A)
"(B)
§6873. Availability of labor
The following actions shall be taken in order to assure that there is a sufficient number of volunteers and training participants and public service employment workers, assisted pursuant to title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [
(1) First, the Secretary of Energy (in consultation with the Director of the Community Services Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Labor) shall determine the number of individuals needed to supply sufficient labor to carry out such weatherization programs in the various areas of the country.
(2) After the determination in paragraph (1) is made, the Secretary of Labor shall identify the areas of the country in which there is an insufficient number of such volunteers and training participants and public service employment workers.
(3) After such areas are identified, the Secretary of Labor shall take steps to assure that such weatherization programs are supported to the maximum extent practicable in such areas by such volunteers and training participants and public service employment workers.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in text, is
The Community Service Senior Opportunities Act, referred to in text, is title V of
The Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976, referred to in text, is title IV of
Section 222(a)(12) of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [
Codification
Section was enacted as a part of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and not as a part of the Energy Conservation and Production Act which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
2014—
1998—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(39)] of
Community Services Administration
Community Services Administration, which was established by section 601 of Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended (