II
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 600
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 26, 2015
Ms. Klobuchar (for herself, Mr. Hoeven, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Risch, Mr. Blunt, and Mr. Schatz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy efficiency retrofit pilot program.
Energy efficiency retrofit pilot program
Definitions
In this section:
Applicant
The term applicant means a nonprofit organization that applies for a grant under this section.
Energy-efficiency improvement
In general
The term energy-efficiency improvement means an installed measure (including a product, equipment, system, service, or practice) that results in a reduction in use by a nonprofit organization for energy or fuel supplied from outside the nonprofit building.
Inclusions
The term energy-efficiency improvement includes an installed measure described in subparagraph (A) involving—
repairing, replacing, or installing—
a roof or lighting system, or component of a roof or lighting system;
a window;
a door, including a security door; or
a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system or component of the system (including insulation and wiring and plumbing improvements needed to serve a more efficient system);
a renewable energy generation or heating system, including a solar, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, or biomass (including wood pellet) system or component of the system; and
any other measure taken to modernize, renovate, or repair a nonprofit building to make the nonprofit building more energy efficient.
Nonprofit building
In general
The term nonprofit building means a building operated and owned by a nonprofit organization.
Inclusions
The term nonprofit building includes a building described in subparagraph (A) that is—
a hospital;
a youth center;
a school;
a social-welfare program facility;
a faith-based organization; and
any other nonresidential and noncommercial structure.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy.
Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program to award grants for the purpose of retrofitting nonprofit buildings with energy-efficiency improvements.
Grants
In general
The Secretary may award grants under the program established under subsection (b).
Application
The Secretary may award a grant under this section if an applicant submits to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe.
Criteria for grant
In determining whether to award a grant under this section, the Secretary shall apply performance-based criteria, which shall give priority to applications based on—
the energy savings achieved;
the cost-effectiveness of the energy-efficiency improvement;
an effective plan for evaluation, measurement, and verification of energy savings;
the financial need of the applicant; and
the percentage of the matching contribution by the applicant.
Limitation on individual grant amount
Each grant awarded under this section shall not exceed—
an amount equal to 50 percent of the energy-efficiency improvement; and
$200,000.
Cost sharing
In general
A grant awarded under this section shall be subject to a minimum non-Federal cost-sharing requirement of 50 percent.
In-kind contributions
The non-Federal share may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020, to remain available until expended.
Offset
Section 422(f) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17082(f)) is amended—
in paragraph (3), by striking and
at the end;
in paragraph (4), by striking through 2018.
and inserting and 2014;
; and
by adding at the end the following:
$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
$200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.
.