CHAPTER 94—LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

SUBCHAPTER I—HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

        

SUBCHAPTER II—LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

        

SUBCHAPTER I—HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

§§8601 to 8612. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2611, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902

Section 8601, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §302, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 288, set forth Congressional findings and declaration of purpose for low-income energy assistance program.

Section 8602, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §303, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 288, defined "household", "home energy", "lower living standard income level", "Secretary", and "State".

Section 8603, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §304, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 289, related to authorizations for home energy grants.

Section 8604, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §305, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 289, set forth eligibility requirements for households.

Section 8605, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §306, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 289, set forth provisions respecting allotments for grants.

Section 8606, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §307, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 293, set forth limitations on uses of home energy grants for fiscal year 1981.

Section 8607, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §308, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 294, set forth provisions respecting submission, contents, etc., for State plans.

Section 8608, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §309, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 298, related to uniform collection data.

Section 8609, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §310, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 298, related to amount and methods of payment.

Section 8610, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §311, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 298, related to withholding of payments.

Section 8611, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §312, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 298, set forth criminal penalties for violations of provisions.

Section 8612, Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §313(a)–(c)(1), (d)–(g), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 298, 299, related to administration and implementation of energy assistance programs.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2611, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902, provided that the repeal made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1981.

Short Title

Pub. L. 96–223, title III, §301, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 288, provided that title III of Pub. L. 96–223, which enacted sections 8601 to 8612 of this title, and amended section 2014(d) of Title 7, Agriculture, was to be cited as the "Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2611, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902.

SUBCHAPTER II—LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

§8621. Home energy grants

(a) Authorization

The Secretary is authorized to make grants, in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, to States to assist low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes, that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this subchapter (other than section 8626a of this title), $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 through 1999, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and $5,100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2007. The authorizations of appropriations contained in this subsection are subject to the program year provisions of subsection (c).

(c) Availability of appropriations

Amounts appropriated under this section for any fiscal year for programs and activities under this subchapter shall be made available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year.

(d) Authorization of appropriations for leveraged resources

(1) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 8626a of this title, $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2004, except as provided in paragraph (2).

(2) For any of fiscal years 1999 through 2004 for which the amount appropriated under subsection (b) is not less than $1,400,000,000, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 to carry out section 8626a of this title.

(e) Emergency funds

There is authorized to be appropriated in each fiscal year for payments under this subchapter, in addition to amounts appropriated for distribution to all the States in accordance with section 8623 of this title (other than subsection (e) of such section), $600,000,000 to meet the additional home energy assistance needs of one or more States arising from a natural disaster or other emergency. Funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection are hereby designated to be emergency requirements pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 [2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(D)], except that such funds shall be made available only after the submission to Congress of a formal budget request by the President (for all or a part of the appropriation pursuant to this subsection) that includes a designation of the amount requested as an emergency requirement as defined in such Act [2 U.S.C. 900 et seq.].

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2602, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 893; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §601, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2889; Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §501, Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 973; Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §§701, 702, 707(b), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1258, 1261; Pub. L. 103–43, title XX, §2011, June 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 214; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §§302–304(a), 311(c)(1), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 657, 658, 661; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §302, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 109–58, title I, §121(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 616.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (e), is classified to section 901 of Title 2, The Congress. Section 251 was amended by Pub. L. 105–33, title X, §10203(a)(4), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 699, and by Pub. L. 112–25, title I, §101, Aug. 2, 2011, 125 Stat. 241. As so amended, section 251(b)(2)(D) no longer refers to "emergency requirements".

The Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (e), is title II of Pub. L. 99–177, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1038, which enacted chapter 20 (§900 et seq.) and sections 654 to 656 of Title 2, The Congress, amended sections 602, 622, 631 to 642, and 651 to 653 of Title 2, sections 1104 to 1106, and 1109 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and section 911 of this title, repealed section 661 of Title 2, enacted provisions set out as notes under section 900 of Title 2 and section 911 of this title, and amended provisions set out as a note under section 621 of Title 2. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 900 of Title 2 and Tables.

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–58 substituted "and $5,100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2007" for "and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004".

1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–285, §302(a), inserted ", such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004" after "1995 through 1999".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–285, §302(b), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows:

"(c)(1) In fiscal year 1993 and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts appropriated under this section for any fiscal year for programs and activities under this subchapter shall be made available for obligation only on the basis of a program year. The program year shall begin on October 1 of the fiscal year following the year in which the appropriation is made.

"(2) Amounts appropriated for fiscal year 1993 shall be available both to fund activities for the period between October 1, 1992, and July 1, 1993, and for the program year beginning July 1, 1993.

"(3) There are authorized to be appropriated such additional sums as may be necessary for the transition to carry out this subsection."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–285, §302(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "There is authorized" for "There are authorized" and "$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2004, except as provided in paragraph (2)" for "$50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1996 and 1997, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1998 and 1999", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–285, §302(d), substituted "There is authorized" for "There are authorized" and "(other than subsection (e) of such section)" for "(other than subsection (g))".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–252, §302, amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to make grants, in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, to States to assist eligible households to meet the costs of home energy."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–252, §§303(a)(1), 311(c)(1)(A), substituted "this subchapter (other than section 8626a of this title), $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 through 1999" for "this subchapter (other than section 8626a of this title) $2,307,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, $2,150,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, $2,230,000,000 for fiscal year 1992, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995" and struck out second period at end.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(1)(B), made technical amendment to reference to this subchapter to correct reference to corresponding provision of original act.

Pub. L. 103–252, §303(a)(2), which directed the substitution of "October 1" for "July 1" and "following the year in which" for "for which" in last sentence of subsec. (c), was executed by making the substitutions in last sentence of subsec. (c)(1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–252, §303(b), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 8626a of this title, $25,000,000 in fiscal year 1992, and $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(a), added subsec. (e).

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–43, §2011(1), substituted "1993, 1994, and 1995" for "1993 and 1994".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–43, §2011(2), substituted "for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995" for "in each of the fiscal years 1993 and 1994".

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–501, §707(b)(1), which directed the amendment of this section by inserting "(other than section 8626a of this title)" after "subchapter", was executed to subsec. (b) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 101–501, §702, struck out "$2,050,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, $2,132,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $2,218,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, and" before "$2,307,000,000" and inserted ", $2,150,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, $2,230,000,000 for fiscal year 1992, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1993 and 1994. The authorizations of appropriations contained in this subsection are subject to the program year provisions of subsection (c)." after "1990".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–501, §701, added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–501, §707(b)(2), added subsec. (d).

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–425 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this subchapter $2,140,000,000 for the fiscal year 1985, and $2,275,000,000 for the fiscal year 1986."

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–558 substituted "$2,140,000,000 for fiscal year 1985, and $2,275,000,000 for fiscal year 1986" for "$1,875,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §314, May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 666, provided that: "The amendments and repeals made by this title [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note below] shall become effective on October 1, 1994."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–501, title X, §1001, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1283, provided that:

"(a) General Effective Date.—Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification] shall take effect on October 1, 1990.

"(b) Special Effective Dates.—(1) The amendment made by section 207(b) [repealing a provision set out as a note preceding section 9861 of this title] shall take effect immediately before October 1, 1990.

"(2) Section 646(b) of the Head Start Act [section 9841(b) of this title], as added by section 115, shall take effect on April 1, 1990."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–425, title X, §1001, Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 978, provided that:

"(a) General Effective Date.—Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this Act and the amendments made by this Act [enacting sections 8628a, 9812a, 9910b, and 10901 to 10905 of this title, amending this section, sections 8623, 8624, 8629, 9803, 9834, 9835, 9837, 9840, 9862, 9867, 9871, 9874, 9877, 9901 to 9904, 9905a, 9908 to 9910, and 9910a of this title and section 4033 of Title 20, Education, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 8623, 9801, and 10901 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under section 9861 of this title and section 1932 of Title 7, Agriculture] shall take effect on October 1, 1986, or the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1986], whichever occurs later.

"(b) Effective Date for Energy Crisis Intervention Amendments.—The amendments made by section 502(a) [amending section 8623 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8623 of this title] shall take effect on December 1, 1986, or 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1986], whichever occurs later.

"(c) Application of Certain Other Amendments Relating to Energy Assistance.—The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of section 504 [amending section 8624 of this title] shall not apply with respect to any fiscal year beginning in or before the 60-day period ending on the effective date of this Act [Oct. 1, 1986]."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §609, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2893, provided that:

"(a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), the amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 8622 to 8624, 8626, 8627, and 8629 of this title] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 1984].

"(b) The amendments made by section 605 [amending section 8624 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 1984].

"(c) The amendments made by section 606 [amending section 8626 of this title] shall apply to amounts held available for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1985.

"(d) The amendment made by section 607 [amending section 8629 of this title] shall apply to data collected and compiled after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 1984]. Section 2610 of the Act [section 8629 of this title] as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act shall apply with respect to the report submitted under such section 2610 for fiscal year 1984."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §301, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2756, provided that: "This title [amending this section and sections 8622 to 8624, 8626, 8626b, and 8628a of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8626b of this title] may be cited as the 'Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1998'."

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §301(a), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 657, provided that: "This title [enacting section 8626b of this title, amending this section and sections 8622 to 8624, 8626, 8626a, 8628a, and 8629 of this title, and enacting provisions set out above] may be cited as the 'Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Amendments of 1994'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2601, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 893, provided that: "This title [enacting this subchapter and repealing subchapter I of this chapter] may be cited as the 'Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981'."

§8622. Definitions

As used in this subchapter:

(1) The term "emergency" means—

(A) a natural disaster;

(B) a significant home energy supply shortage or disruption;

(C) a significant increase in the cost of home energy, as determined by the Secretary;

(D) a significant increase in home energy disconnections reported by a utility, a State regulatory agency, or another agency with necessary data;

(E) a significant increase in participation in a public benefit program such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program carried out under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the national program to provide supplemental security income carried out under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or the State temporary assistance for needy families program carried out under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as determined by the head of the appropriate Federal agency;

(F) a significant increase in unemployment, layoffs, or the number of households with an individual applying for unemployment benefits, as determined by the Secretary of Labor; or

(G) an event meeting such criteria as the Secretary, in the discretion of the Secretary, may determine to be appropriate.

(2) The term "energy burden" means the expenditures of the household for home energy divided by the income of the household.

(3) The term "energy crisis" means weather-related and supply shortage emergencies and other household energy-related emergencies.

(4) The term "highest home energy needs" means the home energy requirements of a household determined by taking into account both the energy burden of such household and the unique situation of such household that results from having members of vulnerable populations, including very young children, individuals with disabilities, and frail older individuals.

(5) The term "household" means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as one economic unit for whom residential energy is customarily purchased in common or who make undesignated payments for energy in the form of rent.

(6) The term "home energy" means a source of heating or cooling in residential dwellings.

(7) The term "natural disaster" means a weather event (relating to cold or hot weather), flood, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or ice storm, or an event meeting such other criteria as the Secretary, in the discretion of the Secretary, may determine to be appropriate.

(8) The term "poverty level" means, with respect to a household in any State, the income poverty line as prescribed and revised at least annually pursuant to section 9902(2) of this title, as applicable to such State.

(9) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(10) The term "State" means each of the several States and the District of Columbia.

(11) The term "State median income" means the State median income promulgated by the Secretary in accordance with procedures established under section 1397a(a)(6) of this title (as such procedures were in effect on August 12, 1981) and adjusted, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to take into account the number of individuals in the household.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2603, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 97–115, §16, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1609; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §602, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2890; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §§304(b), 311(c)(2), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 658, 662; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §§303, 304(a), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(EE), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095–1097; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title IV, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(EE), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1859.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in par. (1)(E), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in par. (1)(E), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Act is classified generally to part A (§601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of this title. Title XVI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XVI (§1381 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.

Codification

In par. (11), "August 12, 1981" substituted for "the day before the date of the enactment of this Act", which date of enactment is Aug. 13, 1981.

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2008—Par. (1)(E). Pub. L. 110–246, §4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(EE), substituted "supplemental nutrition assistance program" for "food stamp program" and "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" for "Food Stamp Act of 1977".

1998—Pars. (1) to (3). Pub. L. 105–285, §304(a)(3), (4), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively. Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Par. (4). Pub. L. 105–285, §304(a)(3), redesignated par. (3) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Pub. L. 105–285, §303, substituted "The term" for "the term" and a period for the semicolon at end.

Pars. (5), (6). Pub. L. 105–285, §304(a)(3), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively. Former par. (6) redesignated (8).

Pars. (7) to (11). Pub. L. 105–285, §304(a)(1), (2), added par. (7) and redesignated formers pars. (6) to (9) as (8) to (11), respectively.

1994—Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(1), (2), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(2), which directed the substitution of "The" for "the" and a period for the semicolon at end, could not be executed because the word "the" and a semicolon did not appear in par. (2) after the redesignations by Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(1). See below.

Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(1), redesignated par. (1) as (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (4).

Par. (3). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(3), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (5).

Par. (4). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(1), redesignated par. (2) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (6).

Pars. (5) to (9). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(b)(1), redesignated pars. (3) to (7) as (5) to (9), respectively.

1984—Par. (1). Pub. L. 98–558, §602(a), struck out "intervention" after "energy crisis" and inserted "and other household energy-related emergencies" at the end.

Par. (4). Pub. L. 98–558, §602(b), substituted "the income poverty line as prescribed and revised at least annually pursuant to section 9902(2) of this title," for "the income poverty guidelines for the nonfarm population of the United States as prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget (and as adjusted annually pursuant to section 9902(2) of this title)".

1981—Pub. L. 97–115 designated par. (2)(A) as par. (2), substituted provisions including individuals and groups of individuals who are living together as one economic unit for whom residential energy is customarily purchased in the form of rent in the definition of household, for provisions including individuals who occupy a housing unit in such definition, and struck out par. (2)(B), which provided that for purposes of subpar. (A), one or more rooms shall be treated as a housing unit when occupied as a separate living quarters.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(EE) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 effective Oct. 30, 1984, see section 609(a) of Pub. L. 98–558, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

§8623. State allotments

(a) Amount; distribution, computation, etc.

(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall, from that percentage of the amount appropriated under section 8621(b) of this title for each fiscal year which is remaining after reserving any amount permitted to be reserved under section 8628a of this title and after the amount of allotments for such fiscal year under subsection (b)(1) is determined by the Secretary, allot to each State an amount equal to such remaining percentage multiplied by the State's allotment percentage.

(B) From the sums appropriated therefor after reserving any amount permitted to be reserved under section 8628a of this title, if for any period a State has a plan which is described in section 8624(c)(1) of this title, the Secretary shall pay to such State an amount equal to 100 percent of the expenditures of such State made during such period in carrying out such plan, including administrative costs (subject to the provisions of section 8624(b)(9)(B) of this title), with respect to households described in section 8624(b)(2) of this title.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), for fiscal year 1985 and thereafter, a State's allotment percentage is the percentage which expenditures for home energy by low-income households in that State bears to such expenditures in all States, except that States which thereby receive the greatest proportional increase in allotments by reason of the application of this paragraph from the amount they received pursuant to Public Law 98–139 shall have their allotments reduced to the extent necessary to ensure that—

(A)(i) no State for fiscal year 1985 shall receive less than the amount of funds the State received in fiscal year 1984; and

(ii) no State for fiscal year 1986 and thereafter shall receive less than the amount of funds the State would have received in fiscal year 1984 if the appropriations for this subchapter for fiscal year 1984 had been $1,975,000,000, and

(B) any State whose allotment percentage out of funds available to States from a total appropriation of $2,250,000,000 would be less than 1 percent, shall not, in any year when total appropriations equal or exceed $2,250,000,000, have its allotment percentage reduced from the percentage it would receive from a total appropriation of $2,140,000,000.

(3) If the sums appropriated for any fiscal year for making grants under this subchapter are not sufficient to pay in full the total amount allocated to a State under paragraph (1) for such fiscal year, the amount which all States will receive under this subchapter for such fiscal year shall be ratably reduced.

(4) For the purpose of this section, the Secretary shall determine the expenditure for home energy by low-income households on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data available to the Secretary.

(b) Allotments to insular areas

(1) The Secretary shall apportion not less than one-tenth of 1 percent, and not more than one-half of 1 percent, of the amounts appropriated for each fiscal year to carry out this subchapter on the basis of need among the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Secretary shall determine the total amount to be apportioned under this paragraph for any fiscal year (which shall not exceed one-half of 1 percent) after evaluating the extent to which each jurisdiction specified in the preceding sentence requires assistance under this paragraph for the fiscal year involved.

(2) Each jurisdiction to which paragraph (1) applies may receive grants under this subchapter upon an application submitted to the Secretary containing provisions which describe the programs for which assistance is sought under this subchapter, and which are consistent with the requirements of section 8624 of this title.

(c) Energy crisis intervention

Of the funds available to each State under subsection (a), a reasonable amount based on data from prior years shall be reserved until March 15 of each program year by each State for energy crisis intervention. The program for which funds are reserved by this subsection shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities which have experience in administering energy crisis programs under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1980, or under this subchapter,¹ experience in assisting low-income individuals in the area to be served, the capacity to undertake a timely and effective energy crisis intervention program, and the ability to carry out the program in local communities. The program for which funds are reserved under this subsection shall—

(1) not later than 48 hours after a household applies for energy crisis benefits, provide some form of assistance that will resolve the energy crisis if such household is eligible to receive such benefits;

(2) not later than 18 hours after a household applies for crisis benefits, provide some form of assistance that will resolve the energy crisis if such household is eligible to receive such benefits and is in a life-threatening situation; and

(3) require each entity that administers such program—

(A) to accept applications for energy crisis benefits at sites that are geographically accessible to all households in the area to be served by such entity; and

(B) to provide to low-income individuals who are physically infirm the means—

(i) to submit applications for energy crisis benefits without leaving their residences; or

(ii) to travel to the sites at which such applications are accepted by such entity.

The preceding sentence shall not apply to a program in a geographical area affected by a natural disaster in the United States designated by the Secretary, or by a major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 ¹ [42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.], for so long as such designation remains in effect, if the Secretary determines that such disaster or such emergency makes compliance with such sentence impracticable.

(d) Allotments to Indian tribes

(1) If, with respect to any State, the Secretary—

(A) receives a request from the governing organization of an Indian tribe within the State that assistance under this subchapter be made directly to such organization; and

(B) determines that the members of such tribe would be better served by means of grants made directly to provide benefits under this subchapter;

the Secretary shall reserve from amounts which would otherwise be payable to such State from amounts allotted to it under this subchapter for the fiscal year involved the amount determined under paragraph (2).

(2) The amount determined under this paragraph for a fiscal year is the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount which would (but for this subsection) be allotted to such State under this subchapter for such fiscal year (other than by reason of section 8626(b)(2) of this title) as the number of Indian households described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 8624(b)(2) of this title and residing within the State on the reservation of the tribes or on trust lands adjacent to such reservation bears to the number of all households described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 8624(b)(2) of this title in such State, or such greater amount as the Indian tribe and the State may agree upon. In cases where a tribe has no reservation, the Secretary, in consultation with the tribe and the State, shall define the number of Indian households for the determination under this paragraph.

(3) The sums reserved by the Secretary on the basis of a determination under this subsection shall be granted to—

(A) the tribal organization serving the individuals for whom such a determination has been made; or

(B) in any case where there is no tribal organization serving an individual for whom such a determination has been made, such other entity as the Secretary determines has the capacity to provide assistance pursuant to this subchapter.

(4) In order for a tribal organization or other entity to be eligible for an amount under this subsection for a fiscal year, it shall submit to the Secretary a plan (in lieu of being under the State's plan) for such fiscal year which meets such criteria as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(e) Allotment of emergency funds

Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (d), the Secretary may allot amounts appropriated pursuant to section 8621(e) of this title to one or more than one State. In determining whether to make such an allotment to a State, the Secretary shall take into account the extent to which the State was affected by the natural disaster or other emergency involved, the availability to the State of other resources under the program carried out under this subchapter or any other program, and such other factors as the Secretary may find to be relevant. Not later than 30 days after making the determination, but prior to releasing an allotted amount to a State, the Secretary shall notify Congress of the allotments made pursuant to this subsection.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2604, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §§603, 604, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2890; Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §§502(a), 503, 505(b), Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 973–975; Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §703, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1258; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §§304(c), 311(c)(3), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 659, 662; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §§304(b), 305, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2757.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Public Law 98–139, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 98–139, Oct. 31, 1983, 97 Stat. 871, known as the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1984. For complete classification of this Act to the Code see Tables.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (c), probably means the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980, which is title III of Pub. L. 96–223, Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 288, and which was classified generally to subchapter I of this chapter prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2611, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original "this Act" which was translated as reading "this title", meaning title XXVI of Pub. L. 97–35, as the probable intent of Congress.

The Disaster Relief Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of this title. The 1974 Act was renamed "The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act", and was substantially revised by Pub. L. 100–707, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689. Section 102(b) of Pub. L. 100–707 provided that a reference in any other law to a provision of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 shall be deemed to be a reference to such provision of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The name of the Act was subsequently changed to the "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act" by Pub. L. 106–390, title III, §301, Oct. 30, 2000, 1114 Stat. 1572. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–285, §305(1), substituted "and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands." for "the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands."

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 105–285, §305(2), substituted "applications" for "application".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–285, §305(5), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–285, §305(3), struck out subsec. (f) relating to optional transfer of funds to block grants for community service programs, preventive health services, etc.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–285, §305(5), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).

Pub. L. 105–285, §§304(b), 305(4), substituted "subsections (a) through (d)" for "subsections (a) through (f)" and "In determining whether to make such an allotment to a State, the Secretary shall take into account the extent to which the State was affected by the natural disaster or other emergency involved, the availability to the State of other resources under the program carried out under this subchapter or any other program, and such other factors as the Secretary may find to be relevant. Not later than 30 days after making the determination, but prior to releasing an allotted amount to a State, the Secretary shall notify Congress of the allotments made pursuant to this subsection." for "In determining to which State or States additional funds may be allotted, the Secretary shall take into account the extent to which a State was affected by the emergency or disaster, the availability to an affected State of other resources under this or any other program, and such other factors as the Secretary determines relevant. The Secretary shall notify Congress of the allotment pursuant to this subsection prior to releasing the allotted funds."

1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(3), inserted "of the United States" after "Virgin Islands".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–252, §304(c), added subsec. (g).

1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–501 designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, substituted "in accordance with paragraph (2) a percentage" for "up to 10 percent", "or a combination" for "or any combination", and "subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)" for "paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)", and added par. (2).

1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–425, §505(b)(1), inserted "after reserving any amount permitted to be reserved under section 8628a of this title and" after "remaining".

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–425, §505(b)(2), inserted "after reserving any amount permitted to be reserved under section 8628a of this title" after "therefor".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–425, §502(a), substituted "the capacity" for "and the capacity", inserted ", and the ability to carry out the program in local communities", and inserted provisions relating to hourly time periods in which the program must respond, application for benefits, and nonapplicability of the program to areas affected by a natural disaster or major disaster.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 99–425, §503, substituted "and residing within the State on the reservation of the tribes or on trust lands adjacent to such reservation" for "in such State with respect to which a determination under this subsection is made", inserted ", or such greater amount as the Indian tribe and the State may agree upon", and inserted "In cases where a tribe has no reservation, the Secretary, in consultation with the tribe and the State, shall define the number of Indian households for the determination under this paragraph."

1984—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–558, §604(a), amended par. (2) generally, substituting provisions relating to State allotment computation for former provisions which also related to computation of State allotment formulas and adding subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 98–558, §604(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–558, §603(a), inserted "until March 15 of each program year" after "reserved" and inserted "The program for which funds are reserved by this subsection shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities which have experience in administering energy crisis programs under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1980, or under this subchapter, experience in assisting low-income individuals in the area to be served, and the capacity to undertake a timely and effective energy crisis intervention program."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98–558, §603(b), substituted "otherwise be payable" for "otherwise be paid" in provisions following subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–558, §603(c), struck out subsec. (e) which related to direct payments to households and State options.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–558, §603(d), substituted "the funds payable to it" for "its allotment".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–501 effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 502(a) of Pub. L. 99–425 effective Dec. 1, 1986, and amendment by sections 503 and 505(b) of Pub. L. 99–425 effective Oct. 1, 1986, see section 1001 of Pub. L. 99–425, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 effective Oct. 30, 1984, see section 609(a) of Pub. L. 98–558, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Rules for Energy Crisis Intervention

Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §502(b), Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 973, provided that: "Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1986], the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue rules to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§8624. Applications and requirements

(a) Form; assurances; public hearings

(1) Each State desiring to receive an allotment for any fiscal year under this subchapter shall submit an application to the Secretary. Each such application shall be in such form as the Secretary shall require. Each such application shall contain assurances by the chief executive officer of the State that the State will meet the conditions enumerated in subsection (b).

(2) After the expiration of the first fiscal year for which a State receives funds under this subchapter, no funds shall be allotted to such State for any fiscal year under this subchapter unless such State conducts public hearings with respect to the proposed use and distribution of funds to be provided under this subchapter for such fiscal year.

(b) Certifications required for covered activities

As part of the annual application required by subsection (a), the chief executive officer of each State shall certify that the State agrees to—

(1) use the funds available under this subchapter to—

(A) conduct outreach activities and provide assistance to low income households in meeting their home energy costs, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, consistent with paragraph (5);

(B) intervene in energy crisis situations;

(C) provide low-cost residential weatherization and other cost-effective energy-related home repair; and

(D) plan, develop, and administer the State's program under this subchapter including leveraging programs,

and the State agrees not to use such funds for any purposes other than those specified in this subchapter;

(2) make payments under this subchapter only with respect to—

(A) households in which 1 or more individuals are receiving—

(i) assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.];

(ii) supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.];

(iii) supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 [7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.]; or

(iv) payments under section 1315, 1521, 1541, or 1542 of title 38, or under section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978; or

(B) households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of—

(i) an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level for such State; or

(ii) an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income;

except that a State may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year solely on the basis of household income if such income is less than 110 percent of the poverty level for such State, but the State may give priority to those households with the highest home energy costs or needs in relation to household income;

(3) conduct outreach activities designed to assure that eligible households, especially households with elderly individuals or disabled individuals, or both, and households with high home energy burdens, are made aware of the assistance available under this subchapter, and any similar energy-related assistance available under subtitle B of title VI (relating to community services block grant program) [42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.] or under any other provision of law which carries out programs which were administered under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] before August 13, 1981;

(4) coordinate its activities under this subchapter with similar and related programs administered by the Federal Government and such State, particularly low-income energy-related programs under subtitle B of title VI (relating to community services block grant program) [42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.], under the supplemental security income program, under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], under title XX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.], under the low-income weatherization assistance program under title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act [42 U.S.C. 6851 et seq.], or under any other provision of law which carries out programs which were administered under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] before August 13, 1981;

(5) provide, in a timely manner, that the highest level of assistance will be furnished to those households which have the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs or needs in relation to income, taking into account family size, except that the State may not differentiate in implementing this section between the households described in clause (2)(A) and (2)(B) of this subsection;

(6) to the extent it is necessary to designate local administrative agencies in order to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, give special consideration, in the designation of such agencies, to any local public or private nonprofit agency which was receiving Federal funds under any low-income energy assistance program or weatherization program under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] or any other provision of law on August 12, 1981, except that—

(A) the State shall, before giving such special consideration, determine that the agency involved meets program and fiscal requirements established by the State; and

(B) if there is no such agency because of any change in the assistance furnished to programs for economically disadvantaged persons, then the State shall give special consideration in the designation of local administrative agencies to any successor agency which is operated in substantially the same manner as the predecessor agency which did receive funds for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made;

(7) if the State chooses to pay home energy suppliers directly, establish procedures to—

(A) notify each participating household of the amount of assistance paid on its behalf;

(B) assure that the home energy supplier will charge the eligible household, in the normal billing process, the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of the payment made by the State under this subchapter;

(C) assure that the home energy supplier will provide assurances that any agreement entered into with a home energy supplier under this paragraph will contain provisions to assure that no household receiving assistance under this subchapter will be treated adversely because of such assistance under applicable provisions of State law or public regulatory requirements; and

(D) ensure that the provision of vendored payments remains at the option of the State in consultation with local grantees and may be contingent on unregulated vendors taking appropriate measures to alleviate the energy burdens of eligible households, including providing for agreements between suppliers and individuals eligible for benefits under this subchapter ¹ that seek to reduce home energy costs, minimize the risks of home energy crisis, and encourage regular payments by individuals receiving financial assistance for home energy costs;

(8) provide assurances that (A) the State will not exclude households described in clause (2)(B) of this subsection from receiving home energy assistance benefits under clause (2), and (B) the State will treat owners and renters equitably under the program assisted under this subchapter;

(9) provide that—

(A) the State may use for planning and administering the use of funds under this subchapter an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the funds payable to such State under this subchapter for a fiscal year; and

(B) the State will pay from non-Federal sources the remaining costs of planning and administering the program assisted under this subchapter and will not use Federal funds for such remaining costs (except for the costs of the activities described in paragraph (16));

(10) provide that such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established as may be necessary to assure the proper disbursal of and accounting for Federal funds paid to the State under this subchapter, including procedures for monitoring the assistance provided under this subchapter, and provide that the State will comply with the provisions of chapter 75 of title 31 (commonly known as the "Single Audit Act");

(11) permit and cooperate with Federal investigations undertaken in accordance with section 8627 of this title;

(12) provide for timely and meaningful public participation in the development of the plan described in subsection (c);

(13) provide an opportunity for a fair administrative hearing to individuals whose claims for assistance under the plan described in subsection (c) are denied or are not acted upon with reasonable promptness;

(14) cooperate with the Secretary with respect to data collecting and reporting under section 8629 of this title;

(15) beginning in fiscal year 1992, provide, in addition to such services as may be offered by State Departments of Public Welfare at the local level, outreach and intake functions for crisis situations and heating and cooling assistance that is administered by additional State and local governmental entities or community-based organizations (such as community action agencies, area agencies on aging, and not-for-profit neighborhood-based organizations), and in States where such organizations do not administer intake functions as of September 30, 1991, preference in awarding grants or contracts for intake services shall be provided to those agencies that administer the low-income weatherization or energy crisis intervention programs; and

(16) use up to 5 percent of such funds, at its option, to provide services that encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance, including needs assessments, counseling, and assistance with energy vendors, and report to the Secretary concerning the impact of such activities on the number of households served, the level of direct benefits provided to those households, and the number of households that remain unserved.

The Secretary may not prescribe the manner in which the States will comply with the provisions of this subsection. The Secretary shall issue regulations to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the programs assisted by this subchapter.

Not later than 18 months after May 18, 1994, the Secretary shall develop model performance goals and measurements in consultation with State, territorial, tribal, and local grantees, that the States may use to assess the success of the States in achieving the purposes of this subchapter. The model performance goals and measurements shall be made available to States to be incorporated, at the option of the States, into the plans for fiscal year 1997. The Secretary may request data relevant to the development of model performance goals and measurements.

(c) State plan; revision; public inspection

(1) As part of the annual application required in subsection (a), the chief executive officer of each State shall prepare and furnish to the Secretary, in such format as the Secretary may require, a plan which—

(A) describes the eligibility requirements to be used by the State for each type of assistance to be provided under this subchapter, including criteria for designating an emergency under section 8623(c) of this title;

(B) describes the benefit levels to be used by the State for each type of assistance including assistance to be provided for emergency crisis intervention and for weatherization and other energy-related home repair;

(C) contains estimates of the amount of funds the State will use for each of the programs under such plan and describes the alternative use of funds reserved under section 8623(c) of this title in the event any portion of the amount so reserved is not expended for emergencies;

(D) describes weatherization and other energy-related home repair the State will provide under subsection (k), including any steps the State will take to address the weatherization and energy-related home repair needs of households that have high home energy burdens, and describes any rules promulgated by the Department of Energy for administration of its Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program which the State, to the extent permitted by the Secretary to increase consistency between federally assisted programs, will follow regarding the use of funds provided under this subchapter by the State for such weatherization and energy-related home repairs and improvements;

(E) describes any steps that will be taken (in addition to those necessary to carry out the assurance contained in paragraph (5) of subsection (b)) to target assistance to households with high home energy burdens;

(F) describes how the State will carry out assurances in clauses (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), and (15) of subsection (b);

(G) states, with respect to the 12-month period specified by the Secretary, the number and income levels of households which apply and the number which are assisted with funds provided under this subchapter, and the number of households so assisted with—

(i) one or more members who had attained 60 years of age;

(ii) one or more members who were disabled; and

(iii) one or more young children; and

(H) contains any other information determined by the Secretary to be appropriate for purposes of this subchapter.

The chief executive officer may revise any plan prepared under this paragraph and shall furnish the revised plan to the Secretary.

(2) Each plan prepared under paragraph (1) and each substantial revision thereof shall be made available for public inspection within the State involved in such a manner as will facilitate timely and meaningful review of, and comment upon, such plan or substantial revision.

(3) Not later than April 1 of each fiscal year the Secretary shall make available to the States a model State plan format that may be used, at the option of each State, to prepare the plan required under paragraph (1) for the next fiscal year.

(d) Expending of funds

The State shall expend funds in accordance with the State plan under this subchapter or in accordance with revisions applicable to such plan.

(e) Conduct of audits

Each State shall, in carrying out the requirements of subsection (b)(10), obtain financial and compliance audits of any funds which the State receives under this subchapter. Such audits shall be made public within the State on a timely basis. The audits shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 75 of title 31.

(f) Payments or assistance not to be deemed income or resources for any purpose under Federal or State law; determination of excess shelter expense deduction

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law unless enacted in express limitation of this paragraph, the amount of any home energy assistance payments or allowances provided directly to, or indirectly for the benefit of, an eligible household under this subchapter shall not be considered income or resources of such household (or any member thereof) for any purpose under any Federal or State law, including any law relating to taxation, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, public assistance, or welfare programs.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection and for purposes of determining any excess shelter expense deduction under section 5(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e))—

(A) the full amount of such payments or allowances shall be deemed to be expended by such household for heating or cooling expenses, without regard to whether such payments or allowances are provided directly to, or indirectly for the benefit of, such household, except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), such payments or allowances were greater than $20 annually, consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)), as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture; and

(B) no distinction may be made among households on the basis of whether such payments or allowances are provided directly to, or indirectly for the benefit of, any of such households.

(g) Repayment of funds expended improperly; offset

The State shall repay to the United States amounts found not to have been expended in accordance with this subchapter or the Secretary may offset such amounts against any other amount to which the State is or may become entitled under this subchapter.

(h) Periodic evaluation of expenditures by Comptroller General

The Comptroller General of the United States shall, from time to time ² evaluate the expenditures by States of grants under this subchapter in order to assure that expenditures are consistent with the provisions of this subchapter and to determine the effectiveness of the State in accomplishing the purposes of this subchapter.

(i) Certain recipients of supplemental security income ineligible for payments or assistance

A household which is described in subsection (b)(2)(A) solely by reason of clause (ii) thereof shall not be treated as a household described in subsection (b)(2) if the eligibility of the household is dependent upon—

(1) an individual whose annual supplemental security income benefit rate is reduced pursuant to section 1611(e)(1) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1382(e)(1)] by reason of being in an institution receiving payments under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.] with respect to such individual;

(2) an individual to whom the reduction specified in section 1612(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1382a(a)(2)(A)(i)] applies; or

(3) a child described in section 1614(f)(2) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1382c(f)(2)] who is living together with a parent, or the spouse of a parent, of the child.

(j) State verification of income eligibility; policies and procedures applicable

In verifying income eligibility for purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B), the State may apply procedures and policies consistent with procedures and policies used by the State agency administering programs under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], under title XX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.], under subtitle B of title VI of this Act (relating to community services block grant program) [42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.], under any other provision of law which carries out programs which were administered under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] before August 13, 1981, or under other income assistance or service programs (as determined by the State).

(k) Limitation on use of funds; waiver

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than 15 percent of the greater of—

(A) the funds allotted to a State under this subchapter for any fiscal year; or

(B) the funds available to such State under this subchapter for such fiscal year;

may be used by the State for low-cost residential weatherization or other energy-related home repair for low-income households, particularly those low-income households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.

(2)(A) If a State receives a waiver granted under subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year, the State may use not more than the greater of 25 percent of—

(i) the funds allotted to a State under this subchapter for such fiscal year; or

(ii) the funds available to such State under this subchapter for such fiscal year;

for residential weatherization or other energy-related home repair for low-income households, particularly those low-income households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Secretary may grant a waiver to a State for a fiscal year if the State submits a written request to the Secretary after March 31 of such fiscal year and if the Secretary determines, after reviewing such request and any public comments, that—

(i)(I) the number of households in the State that will receive benefits, other than weatherization and energy-related home repair, under this subchapter in such fiscal year will not be fewer than the number of households in the State that received benefits, other than weatherization and energy-related home repair, under this subchapter in the preceding fiscal year;

(II) the aggregate amounts of benefits that will be received under this subchapter by all households in the State in such fiscal year will not be less than the aggregate amount of such benefits that were received under this subchapter by all households in the State in the preceding fiscal year; and

(III) such weatherization activities have been demonstrated to produce measurable savings in energy expenditures by low-income households; or

(ii) in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary, the State demonstrates good cause for failing to satisfy the requirements specified in clause (i).

(l) State tax credits to energy suppliers who supply home energy at reduced rates to low-income households

(1) Any State may use amounts provided under this subchapter for the purpose of providing credits against State tax to energy suppliers who supply home energy at reduced rates to low-income households.

(2) Any such credit provided by a State shall not exceed the amount of the loss of revenue to such supplier on account of such reduced rate.

(3) Any certification for such tax credits shall be made by the State, but such State may use Federal data available to such State with respect to recipients of supplemental security income benefits if timely delivery of benefits to households described in subsection (b) and suppliers will not be impeded by the use of such data.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2605, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 896; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §605, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2891; Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §504, Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 974; Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §§704, 705, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1259; Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §§305–309, 311(a)(1), (b), (c)(4), (5), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 659–662; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1072(c), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 721; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, §110(p), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2175; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §306, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2758; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §4002(b)(1)(B), (E), (2)(EE), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title IV, §4002(b)(1)(B), (E), (2)(EE), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1859; Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, §4006(b), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 787.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(A)(i), (ii), (4), (i)(1), and (j), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act is classified generally to part A (§601 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of this title. Titles XVI, XIX, and XX of the Social Security Act are classified generally to subchapters XVI (§1381 et seq.), XIX (§1396 et seq.), and XX (§1397 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title, respectively. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(A)(iii) and (f)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.

Section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iv), is section 306 of Pub. L. 95–588, title III, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2508, which is set out as a note under section 521 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

Subtitle B of title VI, referred to in subsecs. (b)(3), (4), and (j), is subtitle B of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, §671 et seq., Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 511, known as the Community Services Block Grant Act, which is classified generally to chapter 106 (§9901 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9901 of this title and Tables.

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, referred to in subsecs. (b)(3), (4), (6), and (j), is Pub. L. 88–452, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 508, which was classified generally to chapter 34 (§2701 et seq.) of this title prior to repeal, except for titles VIII and X, by Pub. L. 97–35, title VI, §683(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 519. Titles VIII and X of the Act are classified generally to subchapters VIII (§2991 et seq.) and X (§2996 et seq.) of chapter 34 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Energy Conservation and Production Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is Pub. L. 94–385, Aug. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1142. Title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act is classified principally to subchapter III (§6851 et seq.) 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.

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(7)(D), was in the original "this Act" and was translated as reading "this title", meaning title XXVI of Pub. L. 97–35, known as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Codification

In subsec. (b)(6), "August 12, 1981" substituted for "the day before the date of the enactment of this Act", which date of enactment is Aug. 13, 1981.

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–79 inserted before semicolon ", except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), such payments or allowances were greater than $20 annually, consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)), as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture".

2008—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 110–246, §4002(b)(1)(B), (E), (2)(EE), substituted "supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits" for "food stamps" and "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" for "Food Stamp Act of 1977".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §4002(b)(1)(E), (2)(EE), substituted "supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits" for "food stamps".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, §4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(EE), substituted "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008" for "Food Stamp Act of 1977" in introductory provisions.

1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(1)(C), (D), struck out "The Secretary may not prescribe the manner in which the States will comply with the provisions of this subsection." in provisions after par. (14) and inserted identical language before "The Secretary shall issue" in concluding provisions after par. (16).

Subsec. (b)(9)(A). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(1)(A), struck out "and not transferred pursuant to section 8623(f) of this title for use under another block grant" before the semicolon.

Subsec. (b)(14). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(1)(B), struck out "and" at end.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(2)(A), substituted "State" for "States".

Subsec. (c)(1)(G)(i). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(2)(B), substituted "had" for "has".

Subsec. (k)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 105–285, §306(3), inserted before period at end ", particularly those low-income households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy".

1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 104–193 amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: "aid to families with dependent children under the State's plan approved under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (other than such aid in the form of foster care in accordance with section 408 of such Act);".

1995—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–66 struck out "(but not less frequently than every three years)," after "from time to time".

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(4), transferred the sentence immediately preceding par. (15) to appear as a flush sentence immediately after par. (16).

Pub. L. 103–252, §311(b), inserted at end "Not later than 18 months after May 18, 1994, the Secretary shall develop model performance goals and measurements in consultation with State, territorial, tribal, and local grantees, that the States may use to assess the success of the States in achieving the purposes of this subchapter. The model performance goals and measurements shall be made available to States to be incorporated, at the option of the States, into the plans for fiscal year 1997. The Secretary may request data relevant to the development of model performance goals and measurements."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–252, §305(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "use the funds available under this subchapter for the purposes described in section 8621(a) of this title and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter, and agrees not to use such funds for any payments other than payments specified in this section;".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–252, §306(a), in concluding provisions substituted "except that a State may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year solely on the basis of household income if such income is less than 110 percent of the poverty level for such State, but the State may give priority to those households with the highest home energy costs or needs in relation to household income;" for "except that no household may be excluded from eligibility under this subclause for payments under this subchapter for fiscal year 1986 and thereafter if the household has an income which is less than 110 percent of the poverty level for such State for such fiscal year".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 103–252, §§306(b), 311(c)(3), substituted "disabled" for "handicapped" and "and households with high home energy burdens, are made aware" for "are made aware".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 103–252, §306(c), inserted "or needs" after "highest energy costs".

Subsec. (b)(7)(D). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(a)(1), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "assure that any home energy supplier receiving direct payments agrees not to discriminate, either in the cost of the goods supplied or the services provided, against the eligible household on whose behalf payments are made;".

Subsec. (b)(9)(B). Pub. L. 103–252, §305(b)(1), inserted before semicolon at end "(except for the costs of the activities described in paragraph (16))".

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 103–252, §307(1), substituted "and provide that the State will comply with the provisions of chapter 75 of title 31 (commonly known as the 'Single Audit Act')" for "and provide that at least every two years the State shall prepare an audit of its expenditures of amounts received under this subchapter and amounts transferred to carry out the purposes of this subchapter".

Subsec. (b)(16). Pub. L. 103–252, §305(b)(2), (3), added par. (16).

Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 103–252, §308, inserted before semicolon at end ", including any steps the State will take to address the weatherization and energy-related home repair needs of households that have high home energy burdens, and describes any rules promulgated by the Department of Energy for administration of its Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program which the State, to the extent permitted by the Secretary to increase consistency between federally assisted programs, will follow regarding the use of funds provided under this subchapter by the State for such weatherization and energy-related home repairs and improvements".

Subsec. (c)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103–252, §306(d)(2), added subpar. (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F).

Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 103–252, §§306(d)(1), 309(1), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F), substituted "(13), and (15)" for "and (13)", and struck out "and" at end. Former subpar. (F) redesignated (H).

Subsec. (c)(1)(G). Pub. L. 103–252, §309(2), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (c)(1)(H). Pub. L. 103–252, §306(d)(1), redesignated subpar. (F) as (H).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–252, §307(2), substituted "in accordance with chapter 75 of title 31" for "at least every two years by an organization or person independent of any agency administering activities under this subchapter. The audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Comptroller General's standards for audit of governmental organizations, programs, activities, and functions. Within 30 days after completion of each audit, the chief executive officer of the State shall submit a copy of the audit to the legislature of the State and to the Secretary".

1991—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "section 1315, 1521, 1541, or 1542 of title 38" for "section 415, 521, 541, or 542 of title 38".

1990—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 101–501, §704(a)(1), inserted "timely and meaningful" after "provide for".

Subsec. (b)(15). Pub. L. 101–501, §704(a)(2)–(4), added par. (15) at end.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–501, §704(b), inserted "timely and meaningful" after "will facilitate".

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 101–501, §705, designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), not" for "Not", and added par. (2).

1986—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 99–425, §504(a), substituted "in a timely manner" for "in a manner consistent with the efficient and timely payment of benefits".

Subsec. (b)(14) to (17). Pub. L. 99–425, §504(b), redesignated cl. (17) as (14), and struck out former cls. (14) to (16) which read as follows:

"(14) describe the procedures by which households in the State are identified as eligible to participate under this subchapter and the manner in which the State determines benefit levels;

"(15) describe the amount that the State will reserve in accordance with section 8623(c) of this title in each fiscal year for energy crisis intervention activities together with the administrative procedures (A) for designating an emergency, (B) for determining the assistance to be provided in any such emergency, and (C) for the use of funds reserved under such section for the purposes under this subchapter in the event any portion of the amount so reserved is not expended for emergencies.

"(16) describe energy usage and the average cost of home energy in the State, identified by type of fuel and by region of the State;".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–425, §504(c), revised provisions relating to requirements for State plans, restating as subpars. (A) to (F), provisions of former subpars. (A) to (E).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 99–425, §504(d), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–425, §504(e), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "provided directly to, or indirectly for the benefit of" for "provided to", and added par. (2).

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(9), inserted at end "The Secretary shall issue regulations to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the programs assisted by this subchapter.".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(1), substituted "section" for "subsection".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(2), inserted "except that no household may be excluded from eligibility under this subclause for payments under this subchapter for fiscal year 1986 and thereafter if the household has an income which is less than 110 percent of the poverty level for such State for such fiscal year".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(3), inserted ", except that the State may not differentiate in implementing this section between the households described in clause (2)(A) and (2)(B) of this subsection".

Subsec. (b)(7)(C). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(4), substituted "adversely" for "any differently".

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(5), designated existing provisions as subpar. (B) and added subpar. (A).

Subsec. (b)(9)(A). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(6), in amending subpar. (A) generally, struck out "in each fiscal year" before "the State may" and substituted "for a fiscal year and not transferred pursuant to section 8623(f) of this title for use under another block grant" for "for such fiscal year".

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(7), substituted "every two years" for "every year".

Subsec. (b)(14) to (17). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(a)(8), which directed amendment of subsec. (b) by adding pars. (14) to (17) at the end thereof, was executed by adding those pars. after par. (13) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(b)(1), in amending par. (1) generally, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpars. (B) to (E).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(b)(2), inserted "and each substantial revision thereof" and "or substantial revision" at the end.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(c), in amending subsec. (d) generally, substituted provisions that the State shall expend funds in accordance with the State plan or revisions thereto for former provisions which related to waiver of requirements.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(d), in amending subsec. (e) generally, inserted provisions requiring that the audits be made public and that they shall be conducted in accordance with the Comptroller General's standards.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(e), inserted "unless enacted in express limitation of this paragraph".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–558, §605(f), inserted "(but not less frequently than every three years)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–79 effective 30 days after Feb. 7, 2014 and applicable with respect to certification periods that begin after that date, with State option to delay implementation for current recipients of standard utility allowance, see section 4006(c) of Pub. L. 113–79, set out as a note under section 2014 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(B), (E), (2)(EE) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–193 effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–501 effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 504(a)–(d) of Pub. L. 99–425 not applicable with respect to any fiscal year beginning in or before the 60-day period ending on Oct. 1, 1986, and amendment by section 504(e) effective Oct. 1, 1986, see section 1001 of Pub. L. 99–425, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 effective on first day of first fiscal year beginning after Oct. 30, 1984, see section 609(b) of Pub. L. 98–558, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Clarification on Utility Allowances

Pub. L. 102–550, title IX, §927, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3885, as amended by Pub. L. 103–185, §1, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2244, provided that:

"(a) Eligibility.—Tenants who—

"(1) are responsible for making out-of-pocket payments for utility bills; and

"(2) receive energy assistance through utility allowances that include energy costs under programs identified in subsection (c);

shall not have their eligibility or benefits under other programs designed to assist low-income people with increases in energy costs since 1978 reduced or eliminated, except as provided in subsection (d).

"(b) Equal Treatment in Benefit Programs.—Tenants described in subsection (a) shall be treated identically with other households eligible for or receiving energy assistance, including in the determination of the home energy costs for which they are individually responsible and in the determination of their incomes for any program in which eligibility or benefits are based on need, except as provided in subsection (d).

"(c) Applicability.—This section applies to programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.], the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.], section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 [12 U.S.C. 1701s], section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 [12 U.S.C. 1701q], and title V of the Housing Act of 1949 [42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.].

"(d) Special Rule for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.—For purposes of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, tenants described in subsection (a)(2) who are responsible for paying some or all heating or cooling costs shall not have their eligibility automatically denied. A State may consider the amount of the heating or cooling component of utility allowances received by tenants described in subsection (a)(2) when setting benefit levels under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The size of any reduction in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits must be reasonably related to the amount of the heating or cooling component of the utility allowance received and must ensure that the highest level of assistance will be furnished to those households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs in relation to income, taking into account family size, in compliance with section 2605(b)(5) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(b)(5))."

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

§8625. Nondiscrimination provisions

(a) Prohibitions

No person shall on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this subchapter. Any prohibition against discrimination on the basis of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 [42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.] or with respect to an otherwise qualified handicapped individual as provided in section 794 of title 29 also shall apply to any such program or activity.

(b) Procedures applicable to secure compliance

Whenever the Secretary determines that a State that has received a payment under this subchapter has failed to comply with subsection (a) or an applicable regulation, he shall notify the chief executive officer of the State and shall request him to secure compliance. If within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days, the chief executive officer fails or refuses to secure compliance, the Secretary is authorized to (1) refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that an appropriate civil action be instituted; (2) exercise the powers and functions provided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.], the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 [42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.], or section 794 of title 29, as may be applicable; or (3) take such other action as may be provided by law.

(c) Maintenance of civil actions

When a matter is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to subsection (b), or whenever he has reason to believe that the State is engaged in a pattern or practice in violation of the provisions of this section, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court for such relief as may be appropriate, including injunctive relief.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2606, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 900.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is title III of Pub. L. 94–135, Nov. 28, 1975, 78 Stat. 728, which is classified generally to chapter 76 (§6101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6101 of this title and Tables.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of this title and Tables.

§8626. Payments to States; fiscal year requirements respecting availability, etc.

(a)(1) From its allotment under section 8623 of this title, the Secretary shall make payments to each State in accordance with section 6503(a) of title 31, for use under this subchapter.

(2) Each State shall notify the Secretary, not later than 2 months prior to the close of a fiscal year, of the amount (if any) of its allotment for such year that will not be obligated in such year, and, if such State elects to submit a request described in subsection (b)(2), such State shall submit such request at the same time. The Secretary shall make no payment under paragraph (1) to a State for a fiscal year unless the State has complied with this paragraph with respect to the prior fiscal year.

(b)(1) If—

(A) the Secretary determines that, as of September 1 of any fiscal year, an amount allotted to a State under section 8623 of this title for any fiscal year will not be used by such State during such fiscal year;

(B) the Secretary—

(i) notifies the chief executive officer of such State; and

(ii) publishes a timely notice in the Federal Register;

that, after the 30-day period beginning on the date of the notice to such chief executive officer, such amount may be reallotted; and

(C) the State does not request, under paragraph (2), that such amount be held available for such State for the following fiscal year;

then such amount shall be treated by the Secretary for purposes of this subchapter as an amount appropriated for the following fiscal year to be allotted under section 8623 of this title for such following fiscal year.

(2)(A) Any State may request that an amount allotted to such State for a fiscal year be held available for such State for the following fiscal year. Such request shall include a statement of the reasons that the amount allotted to such State for a fiscal year will not be used by such State during such fiscal year and a description of the types of assistance to be provided with the amount held available for the following fiscal year. Any amount so held available for the following fiscal year shall not be taken into account in computing the allotment of or the amount payable to such State for such fiscal year under this subchapter.

(B) No amount may be held available under this paragraph for a State from a prior fiscal year to the extent such amount exceeds 10 percent of the amount payable to such State for such prior fiscal year. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the amount payable to a State for a fiscal year shall be determined without regard to any amount held available under this paragraph for such State for such fiscal year from the prior fiscal year.

(C) The Secretary shall reallot amounts made available under this paragraph for the fiscal year following the fiscal year of the original allotment in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) During the 30-day period described in paragraph (1)(B), comments may be submitted to the Secretary. After considering such comments, the Secretary shall notify the chief executive officer of the State of any decision to reallot funds, and shall publish such decision in the Federal Register.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2607, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 900; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §606, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2892; Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §706, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1260; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §310, May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 661; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §307, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2758.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a)(1), "section 6503(a) of title 31" substituted for "section 203 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 [42 U.S.C. 4213]" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105–285 struck out "and not transferred pursuant to section 8623(f) of this title" after "such prior fiscal year" in first sentence and "but not transferred by the State" after "the amount payable to a State" in second sentence.

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–252 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1990—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–501 substituted "10 percent" for "15 percent".

1984—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 98–558, §606(a), inserted "Such request shall include a statement of the reasons that the amount allotted to such State for a fiscal year will not be used by such State during such fiscal year and a description of the types of assistance to be provided with the amount held available for the following fiscal year." and "or the amount payable to" after "computing the allotment of".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98–558, §606(b), substituted "15 percent" for "25 percent", "payable to such State for such prior fiscal year and not transferred pursuant to section 8623(f) of this title" for "allotted to such State for such prior fiscal year", and "payable to a State but not transferred by the State" for "allotted to a State" in second sentence.

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 98–558, §606(c), added subpar. (C).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–501 effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 applicable to amounts held available for fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1985, see section 609(c) of Pub. L. 98–558, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

§8626a. Incentive program for leveraging non-Federal resources

(a) Allotment of funds

Beginning in fiscal year 1992, the Secretary may allocate amounts appropriated under section 8621(d) of this title to provide supplementary funds to States that have acquired non-Federal leveraged resources for the program established under this subchapter.

(b) "Leveraged resources" defined

For purposes of this section, the term "leveraged resources" means the benefits made available to the low-income home energy assistance program of the State, or to federally qualified low-income households, that—

(1) represent a net addition to the total energy resources available to State and federally qualified households in excess of the amount of such resources that could be acquired by such households through the purchase of energy at commonly available household rates; and

(2)(A) result from the acquisition or development by the State program of quantifiable benefits that are obtained from energy vendors through negotiation, regulation or competitive bid; or

(B) are appropriated or mandated by the State for distribution—

(i) through the State program; or

(ii) under the plan referred to in section 8624(c)(1)(A) of this title to federally qualified low-income households and such benefits are determined by the Secretary to be integrated with the State program.

(c) Formula for distribution of amounts

(1) Distribution of amounts made available under this section shall be based on a formula developed by the Secretary that is designed to take into account the success in leveraging existing appropriations in the preceding fiscal year as measured under subsection (d). Such formula shall take into account the size of the allocation of the State under this subchapter and the ratio of leveraged resources to such allocation.

(2) A State may expend funds allocated under this subchapter as are necessary, not to exceed 0.08 percent of such allocation or $35,000 each fiscal year, whichever is greater, to identify, develop, and demonstrate leveraging programs. Funds allocated under this section shall only be used for increasing or maintaining benefits to households.

(d) Dollar value of leveraged resources

Each State shall quantify the dollar value of leveraged resources received or acquired by such State under this section by using the best available data to calculate such leveraged resources less the sum of any costs incurred by the State to leverage such resources and any cost imposed on the federally eligible low-income households in such State.

(e) Report to Secretary

Not later than 2 months after the close of the fiscal year during which the State provided leveraged resources to eligible households, as described in subsection (b), each State shall prepare and submit, to the Secretary, a report that quantifies the leveraged resources of such State in order to qualify for assistance under this section for the following fiscal year.

(f) Determination of State share; regulations; documentation

The Secretary shall determine the share of each State of the amounts made available under this section based on the formula described in subsection (c) and the State reports. The Secretary shall promulgate regulations for the calculation of the leveraged resources of the State and for the submission of supporting documentation. The Secretary may request any documentation that the Secretary determines necessary for the verification of the application of the State for assistance under this section.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2607A, as added Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §707(a), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1260; amended Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §311(a)(2), (c)(6), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 661, 662.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(6), substituted "0.08 percent" for ".0008 percent".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(a)(2), substituted "2 months after the close of the fiscal year during which the State provided leveraged resources to eligible households, as described in subsection (b) of this section" for "July 31, of each year".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 8621 of this title.

§8626b. Residential Energy Assistance Challenge option (R.E.A.Ch.)

(a) Purpose

The purpose of the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (in this section referred to as "R.E.A.Ch.") program is to—

(1) minimize health and safety risks that result from high energy burdens on low-income Americans;

(2) prevent homelessness as a result of inability to pay energy bills;

(3) increase the efficiency of energy usage by low-income families; and

(4) target energy assistance to individuals who are most in need.

(b) Funding

(1) Allocation

For each fiscal year, the Secretary may allocate not more than 25 percent of the amount made available pursuant to section 8621(d) of this title for such fiscal year to a R.E.A.Ch. fund for the purpose of making incentive grants to States that submit qualifying plans that are approved by the Secretary as R.E.A.Ch. initiatives. States may use such grants for the costs of planning, implementing, and evaluating the initiative.

(2) Reservation

The Secretary shall reserve from any funds allocated under this subsection, funds to make additional payments to State R.E.A.Ch. programs that—

(A) have energy efficiency education services plans that meet quality standards established by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Energy; and

(B) have the potential for being replicable model designs for other programs.

States shall use such supplemental funds for the implementation and evaluation of the energy efficiency education services.

(c) Criteria

(1) In general

Not later than May 31, 1995, the Secretary shall establish criteria for approving State plans required by subsection (a), for energy efficiency education quality standards described in subsection (b)(2)(A), and for the distribution of funds to States with approved plans.

(2) Documentation

Notwithstanding the limitations of section 8624(b) of this title regarding the authority of the Secretary with respect to plans, the Secretary may require a State to provide appropriate documentation that its R.E.A.Ch. activities conform to the State plan as approved by the Secretary.

(d) Focus

The State may designate all or part of the State, or all or part of the client population, as a focus of its R.E.A.Ch. initiative.

(e) State plans

(1) In general

Each State plan shall include each of the elements described in paragraph (2), to be met by State and local agencies.

(2) Elements of State plans

Each State plan shall include—

(A) an assurance that such State will deliver services through community-based nonprofit entities in such State, by—

(i) awarding grants to, or entering into contracts with, such entities for the purpose of providing such services and payments directly to individuals eligible for benefits; or

(ii) if a State makes payments directly to eligible individuals or energy suppliers, making contracts with such entities to administer such programs, including—

(I) determining eligibility;

(II) providing outreach services; and

(III) providing benefits other than payments;

(B) an assurance that, in awarding grants or entering into contracts to carry out its R.E.A.Ch. initiative, the State will give priority to organizations that—

(i) are described in section 9902(1) of this title, except where significant geographic portions of the State are not served by such entities;

(ii) the Secretary has determined have a record of successfully providing services under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; and

(iii) receive weatherization assistance program funds under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act [42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.];

except that a State may not require any such entity to operate a R.E.A.Ch. program;

(C) an assurance that, subject to subparagraph (D), each entity that receives a grant or enters into a contract under subparagraph (A)(i) will provide a variety of services and benefits, including—

(i) payments to, or on behalf of, individuals eligible for residential energy assistance services and benefits under section 8624(b) of this title for home energy costs;

(ii) energy efficiency education;

(iii) residential energy demand management services, including any other energy related residential repair and energy efficiency improvements in coordination with, or delivered by, Department of Energy weatherization assistance programs at the discretion of the State;

(iv) family services, such as counseling and needs assessment, related to energy budget management, payment plans, and related services; and

(v) negotiation with home energy suppliers on behalf of households eligible for R.E.A.Ch. services and benefits;

(D) a description of the methodology the State and local agencies will use to determine—

(i) which households will receive one or more forms of benefits under the State R.E.A.Ch. initiative;

(ii) the cases in which nonmonetary benefits are likely to provide more cost-effective long-term outcomes than payment benefits alone; and

(iii) the amount of such benefit required to meet the goals of the program;

(E) a method for targeting nonmonetary benefits;

(F) a description of the crisis and emergency assistance activities the State will undertake that are designed to—

(i) discourage family energy crises;

(ii) encourage responsible vendor and consumer behavior; and

(iii) provide only financial incentives that encourage household payment;

(G) a description of the activities the State will undertake to—

(i) provide incentives for recipients of assistance to pay home energy costs; and

(ii) provide incentives for vendors to help reduce the energy burdens of recipients of assistance;

(H) an assurance that the State will require each entity that receives a grant or enters into a contract under this section to solicit and be responsive to the views of individuals who are financially eligible for benefits and services under this section in establishing its local program;

(I) a description of performance goals for the State R.E.A.Ch. initiative including—

(i) a reduction in the energy costs of participating households over one or more fiscal years;

(ii) an increase in the regularity of home energy bill payments by eligible households; and

(iii) an increase in energy vendor contributions towards reducing energy burdens of eligible households;

(J) a description of the indicators that will be used by the State to measure whether the performance goals have been achieved;

(K) a demonstration that the plan is consistent with section 8622 of this title, paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) of section 8624(b) of this title, subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of section 8624 of this title, and section 8625 of this title;

(L) an assurance that benefits and services will be provided in addition to other benefit payments and services provided under this subchapter and in coordination with such benefit payments and services; and

(M) an assurance that no regulated utility covered by the plan will be required to act in a manner that is inconsistent with applicable regulatory requirements.

(f) Cost or function

None of the costs of providing services or benefits under this section shall be considered to be an administrative cost or function for purposes of any limitation on administrative costs or functions contained in this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2607B, as added Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §312, May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 662; amended Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §308(c), (d), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2758.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Energy Conservation and Production Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(2)(B)(iii), 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

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(c), substituted "For each fiscal year" for "For each of the fiscal years 1996 through 1999".

Subsec. (e)(2)(E) to (H). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(d)(1)(A), redesignated subpars. (F) to (I) as (E) to (H), respectively.

Subsec. (e)(2)(I). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(d)(1)(A), redesignated subpar. (J) as (I). Former subpar. (I) redesignated (H).

Subsec. (e)(2)(I)(i). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(d)(1)(B), substituted "of" for "on".

Subsec. (e)(2)(J) to (N). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(d)(1)(A), redesignated subpars. (K) to (N) as (J) to (M), respectively.

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 105–285, §308(d)(2), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 8621 of this title.

Evaluation and Report on Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option

Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §308(a), (b), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2758, provided that the Comptroller General of the United States would conduct an evaluation of the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge program described in this section, and, not later than 2 years after Oct. 27, 1998, submit to Congress a report containing the findings of the evaluation and the State evaluations described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsec. (b) of this section.

§8627. Withholding of funds

(a) Improper utilization of funds; response to complaints respecting improprieties

(1) The Secretary shall, after adequate notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted within the affected State, withhold funds from any State which does not utilize its allotment substantially in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and the assurances such State provided under section 8624 of this title.

(2) The Secretary shall respond in writing in no more than 60 days to matters raised in complaints of a substantial or serious nature that a State has failed to use funds in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter or the assurances provided by the State under section 8624 of this title. For purposes of this paragraph, a violation of any one of the assurances contained in section 8624(b) of this title that constitutes a disregard of such assurance shall be considered a serious complaint.

(b) Investigations; conduct, etc.

(1) The Secretary shall conduct in several States in each fiscal year investigations of the use of funds received by the States under this subchapter in order to evaluate compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(2) Whenever the Secretary determines that there is a pattern of complaints from any State in any fiscal year, the Secretary shall conduct an investigation of the use of funds received under this subchapter by such State in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(3) The Comptroller General of the United States may conduct an investigation of the use of funds received under this subchapter by a State in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(c) Inspection of books, documents, etc.

Pursuant to an investigation conducted under subsection (b) of this section, a State shall make appropriate books, documents, papers, and records available to the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, for examination, copying, or mechanical reproduction on or off the premises of the appropriate entity upon a reasonable request therefor.

(d) Request for information not readily available

In conducting any investigation under subsection (b), the Secretary may not request any information not readily available to such State or require that any information be compiled, collected, or transmitted in any new form not already available.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2608, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 901; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §608, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2893; Pub. L. 101–501, title VII, §708, Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1261.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–501 substituted "in writing in no more than 60 days to matters raised in" for "in an expeditious and speedy manner to".

1984—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–558 substituted "the Secretary" for "he" before "shall conduct".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–501 effective Oct. 1, 1990, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 101–501, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 effective Oct. 30, 1984, see section 609(a) of Pub. L. 98–558 set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

§8628. Limitation on use of grants for construction

Grants made under this subchapter may not be used by the State, or by any other person with which the State makes arrangements to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, for the purchase or improvement of land, or the purchase, construction, or permanent improvement (other than low-cost residential weatherization or other energy-related home repairs) of any building or other facility.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2609, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902.)

§8628a. Technical assistance, training, and compliance reviews

(a) Of the amounts appropriated under section 8621(b) of this title for any fiscal year, not more than $300,000 of such amounts may be reserved by the Secretary—

(1) to—

(A) make grants to State and public agencies and private nonprofit organizations; or

(B) enter into contracts or jointly financed cooperative arrangements or interagency agreements with States and public agencies (including Federal agencies) and private nonprofit organizations;

to provide for training and technical assistance related to the purposes of this subchapter, including collection and dissemination of information about programs and projects assisted under this subchapter, and ongoing matters of regional or national significance that the Secretary finds would assist in the more effective provision of services under this subchapter; or

(2) to conduct onsite compliance reviews of programs supported under this subchapter.

(b) No provision of this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from making a grant pursuant to subsection (a) to one or more private nonprofit organizations that apply jointly with a business concern to receive such grant.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2609A, as added Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §505(a), Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 975; amended Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §311(a)(3), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 661; Pub. L. 105–285, title III, §309, Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2759.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, the first and second time appearing in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "this subtitle" which was translated as "this title", meaning title XXVI of Pub. L. 97–35, as the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–285, §309(b), substituted "Technical assistance, training, and compliance reviews" for "Technical assistance and training" as section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–285, §309(a), substituted "$300,000" for "$250,000" in introductory provisions, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted "to—", redesignated former par. (1) as subpar. (A), realigned margin, and substituted "make grants" for "to make grants", redesignated former par. (2) as subpar. (B), realigned margin, substituted "enter into" for "to enter into" and inserted "or interagency agreements" after "cooperative arrangements" and "(including Federal agencies)" after "public agencies", realigned margin of concluding provisions and substituted "; or" for period at end, and added par. (2).

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–252 substituted "$250,000" for "$500,000" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1986, see section 1001 of Pub. L. 99–425, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 8621 of this title.

§8629. Studies and reports

(a) The Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall provide for the collection of data, including—

(1) information concerning home energy consumption;

(2) the amount, cost and type of fuels used for households eligible for assistance under this subchapter;

(3) the type of fuel used by various income groups;

(4) the number and income levels of households assisted by this subchapter;

(5) the number of households which received such assistance and include one or more individuals who are 60 years or older or disabled or include young children; and

(6) any other information which the Secretary determines to be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter.

Nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the Secretary to collect data which has been collected and made available to the Secretary by any other agency of the Federal Government.

(b) The Secretary shall, no later than June 30 of each fiscal year, submit a report to the Congress containing a detailed compilation of the data under subsection (a) with respect to the prior fiscal year, and a report that describes for the prior fiscal year—

(1) the manner in which States carry out the requirements of clauses (2), (5), (8), and (15) of section 8624(b) of this title; and

(2) the impact of each State's program on recipient and eligible households.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2610, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 98–558, title VI, §607, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2893; Pub. L. 99–425, title V, §506, Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 976; Pub. L. 103–252, title III, §311(c)(7), May 18, 1994, 108 Stat. 662.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(7)(A), struck out semicolon after "used" and inserted semicolon after "subchapter".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 103–252, §311(c)(7)(B), substituted "disabled or include young children" for "handicapped".

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–425 inserted provisions relating to report describing for prior fiscal year the manner of carrying out requirements of clauses of section 8624 of this title and impact of State programs on recipient and eligible households.

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–558, §607(c), inserted at end "Nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the Secretary to collect data which has been collected and made available to the Secretary by any other agency of the Federal Government."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–558, §607(a), inserted "amount," before "cost" and inserted at end "for households eligible for assistance under this subchapter".

Subsec. (a)(5), (6). Pub. L. 98–558, §607(b), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–558, §607(d), in amending subsec. (b) generally, inserted "no later than June 30 of each fiscal year," and substituted "a detailed compilation of the data under subsection (a) with respect to the prior fiscal year" for "a summary of data collected under subsection (a)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–252 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 314 of Pub. L. 103–252, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–425 effective Oct. 1, 1986, see section 1001 of Pub. L. 99–425, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–558 applicable to data collected and compiled after Oct. 30, 1984, and this section as in effect before Oct. 30, 1984, applicable with respect to the report submitted under this section for fiscal year 1984, see section 609(d) of Pub. L. 98–558, set out as a note under section 8621 of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which the 12th item on page 93 identifies a reporting provision which, as amended, is contained in subsec. (b) of this section), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

§8630. Renewable fuels

In providing assistance pursuant to this subchapter, a State, or any other person with which the State makes arrangements to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, may purchase renewable fuels, including biomass.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title XXVI, §2612, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title I, §121(b), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 616.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Report to Congress

Pub. L. 109–58, title I, §121(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 616, provided that: "The Secretary [of Energy] shall report to Congress on the use of renewable fuels in providing assistance under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.)."