118 S1005 IS: Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2023 U.S. Senate 2023-03-28 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II118th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1005IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 28, 2023Mr. Reed (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Coons, and Mrs. Shaheen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act to improve the weatherization assistance program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2023.

2.

Weatherization Assistance Program

(a)

Weatherization Readiness Fund

Section 414 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6864) is amended by adding at the end the following:(d)

Weatherization Readiness Fund

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall establish a fund, to be known as the Weatherization Readiness Fund, from which the Secretary shall distribute funds to States receiving financial assistance under this part, in accordance with subsection (a).(2)

Use of funds

(A)

In general

A State receiving funds under paragraph (1) shall use the funds for repairs to dwelling units described in subparagraph (B) that will remediate the applicable structural defects or hazards of the dwelling unit so that weatherization measures may be installed.(B)

Dwelling unit

A dwelling unit referred to in subparagraph (A) is a dwelling unit occupied by a low-income person that, on inspection pursuant to the program under this part, was found to have significant defects or hazards that prevented the installation of weatherization measures under the program.(3)

Authorization of appropriations

In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 422, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection..(b)

State average cost per unit

(1)

In general

Section 415(c) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)) is amended—(A)in paragraph (1)—(i)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—(I)in the first sentence, by striking $6,500 and inserting $12,000; and(II)by striking (c)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting the following:(c)

Financial assistance

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraphs (3), (4), and (6);(ii)by conforming the margins of subparagraphs (A) through (D) to the margin of subparagraph (E);(iii)in subparagraph (D), by striking , and and inserting ; and; and(iv)in subparagraph (E), by adding a period at the end;(B)in paragraph (2), in the first sentence, by striking weatherized (including dwelling units partially weatherized) and inserting fully weatherized;(C)in paragraph (4), by striking $3,000 and inserting $6,000;(D)in paragraph (5)—(i)in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking (6)(A)(ii) and inserting (7)(A)(ii); and(ii)by striking (6)(A)(i)(I) each place it appears and inserting (7)(A)(i)(I);(E)by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and(F)by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:(6)

Limit increase

The Secretary may increase the amount of financial assistance provided per dwelling unit under this part beyond the limit specified in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that market conditions require such an increase to achieve the purposes of this part..(2)

Conforming amendment

Section 414D(b)(1)(C) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6864d(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking 415(c)(6)(A) and inserting 415(c)(7).