II
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 196
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 3, 2021
Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Hoeven) 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 materials pilot program.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act
.
Energy efficiency materials pilot program
Definitions
In this section:
Applicant
The term applicant means a nonprofit organization that applies for a grant under this section.
Energy-efficiency material
In general
The term energy-efficiency material means a material (including a product, equipment, or system) the installation of which results in a reduction in use by a nonprofit organization of energy or fuel.
Inclusions
The term energy-efficiency material includes—
a roof or lighting system or component of the system;
a window;
a door, including a security door;
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); and
a renewable energy generation or heating system, including a solar, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, or biomass (including wood pellet) system or component of the system.
Nonprofit building
In general
The term nonprofit building means a building operated and owned by an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
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; or
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 providing nonprofit buildings with energy-efficiency materials.
Grants
In general
The Secretary may award grants under the program established under subsection (b).
Application
The Secretary may award a grant under paragraph (1) 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 paragraph (1), the Secretary shall apply performance-based criteria, which shall give priority to applicants based on—
the energy savings achieved;
the cost effectiveness of the use of energy-efficiency materials;
an effective plan for evaluation, measurement, and verification of energy savings; and
the financial need of the applicant.
Limitation on individual grant amount
Each grant awarded under this section shall not exceed $200,000.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended.