Energy and Environment Block Grant Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Energy and Environment Block Grant Program to make block grants to state or local governments for: (1) energy efficiency and climate protection strategy; (2) technical consultant services to assist in the development of such strategy; (3) energy audits; (4) weatherization programs; (5) financial incentives for energy efficiency retrofits; and (6) grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for energy retrofits.
Declares the purchase or leasing of equipment or vehicles for the private sector, or of pollution control equipment for private electric utilities, ineligible for funds under this Act.
Requires a local government unit that is a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary a proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy establishing goals for increased energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Requires a state that is a grant recipient to use at least 70% of the funds received to provide subgrants to otherwise ineligible local government units.
Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Energy and Environmental Block Grants, which shall in turn establish and implement a Research, Technical Assistance, and Education Program.
[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2447 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2447
To establish an Energy and Environment Block Grant Program, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 23, 2007
Mr. Wynn (for himself, Mr. Turner, Mr. Engel, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Kennedy,
Mr. Inslee, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Hastings of Florida, and
Mr. Carnahan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish an Energy and Environment Block Grant Program, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Energy and Environment Block Grant
Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Based on a recent United Nations report, the world
scientific community now agrees that global warming is caused
by the emission of greenhouse gases from human behavior and
activity.
(2) The United States, while representing less than 5
percent of the world's population, releases a projected 25
percent of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide.
(3) Local governments are particularly well positioned to
develop, implement, and promote energy efficiency and
greenhouse gas reduction strategies at the community level, as
part of a comprehensive national strategy to address global
warming.
(4) The release of significant amounts of greenhouse gases
occurs as a result of energy consumed by buildings and homes,
and 39,300,000 new homes and 20,000,000,000 square feet of
commercial office space are projected to be constructed between
2007 and 2031.
(5) Local governments, through revised building codes,
building inspection, and the promotion of energy efficient
retrofits and conservation measures, are uniquely positioned to
work with their local business communities to encourage energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction strategies within the
building construction and management sectors.
(6) The development of community-based conservation
programs that reduce the usage of energy in homes and
transportation will yield immediate and significant reductions
of a jurisdiction's overall carbon emissions. Many cities have
already signed Climate Protection Agreements, including a goal
of all buildings being carbon neutral by 2030.
(7) Local governments control or influence land use,
transportation, and development planning that directly impacts
the design of a community, a major factor in the amount of
greenhouse gases emitted.
(8) The development of local energy and environment
comprehensive plans will provide local governments the
strategies they need to establish specific energy efficiency
and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and milestones.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``eligible entity'' means a State or an
eligible unit of local government within a State;
(2) the term ``eligible unit of local government'' means--
(A) a city with a population of at least 50,000;
and
(B) a county with a population of at least 200,000;
(3) the term ``greenhouse gas'' means--
(A) carbon dioxide;
(B) methane;
(C) nitrous oxide;
(D) hydrofluorocarbons;
(E) perfluorocarbons;
(F) sulfur hexafluoride; and
(G) any other anthropogenically-emitted gas that is
determined by the Secretary, after notice and comment,
to contribute to global warming to a non-negligible
degree;
(4) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy;
and
(5) the term ``State'' means one of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other
commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.
The Secretary shall establish an Energy and Environment Block Grant
Program to make block grants to eligible entities as provided in this
Act.
SEC. 5. ALLOCATIONS.
(a) In General.--Of the funds appropriated for making grants under
this Act for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate 70 percent
to be provided to eligible units of local government as provided in
subsection (b) and 30 percent to be provided to States as provided in
subsection (c).
(b) Eligible Units of Local Government.--The Secretary shall
provide grants to eligible units of local government according to a
formula giving equal weight to--
(1) population, according to the most recent available
Census data; and
(2) daytime population, or another similar factor such as
square footage of commercial, office, and industrial space, as
determined by the Secretary.
(c) States.--The Secretary shall provide grants to States according
to a formula based on population, according to the most recent
available Census data.
(d) Publication of Allocation Formulas.--Not later than 90 days
before the beginning of any fiscal year in which grants are to made
under this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the
formulas for allocation described in subsection (b)(1) and (b)(2).
SEC. 6. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.
Funds provided through a grant under this Act may be used for the
following activities:
(1) Development and implementation of an Energy Efficiency
and Climate Protection Strategy under section 8 or 9.
(2) Retaining technical consultant services to assist an
eligible entity in the development of such Strategy,
including--
(A) estimation of the 1990 levels of greenhouse gas
emissions within the jurisdiction of the eligible
entity;
(B) determination of baseline greenhouse gas
emissions for 2006 or the most recent year for best
available data;
(C) formulation of energy efficiency and greenhouse
gas emission reduction goals;
(D) identification of strategies to meet such goals
through major emitters of greenhouse gases;
(E) identification of strategies to encourage
behavioral changes among the populace that will help
achieve such goals;
(F) development of methods to measure progress in
achieving such goals;
(G) development and preparation of annual reports
to the citizenry of the eligible entity's energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction strategies and
goals, and progress in achieving them;
(H) analysis of potential mitigation strategies to
offset the negative environmental impacts of global
warming on the community; and
(I) other services to assist in the implementation
of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection
Strategy.
(3) Conducting energy audits.
(4) Development and implementation of weatherization
programs.
(5) Creation of financial incentive programs for energy
efficiency retrofits, including zero-interest or low-interest
revolving loan funds.
(6) Grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental
agencies for energy retrofits.
(7) Development and implementation of energy efficiency
programs and technologies for buildings and facilities of
nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
(8) Development and implementation of building and home
energy conservation programs, including--
(A) design and operation of the programs;
(B) research on the most effective methods for
achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates;
(C) public education;
(D) measurement protocols; and
(E) identification of energy efficient
technologies.
(9) Development and implementation of transportation fuel
conservation programs, including--
(A) promotion of public transit ridership;
(B) car pooling;
(C) reduction of vehicle miles traveled;
(D) increase in trip efficiencies;
(E) use of flex time by employers;
(F) satellite work centers; and
(G) other measures that have the effect of
increasing fuel efficiencies and decreasing fuel
consumption.
(10) Development and implementation of alternative fuel
technologies in public fleets that result in significant
greenhouse gas emission reductions, including the retrofitting
of diesel bus fleets with high technology exhaust filters and
the purchase of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses.
(11) Development and implementation of alternative fuel
infrastructure that results in significant reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions.
(12) Development and implementation of intelligent
transportation systems designed to reduce congestion and
related greenhouse gas emissions.
(13) Development and implementation of building codes and
inspection services for public, commercial, industrial, and
single and multifamily residential buildings to promote energy
efficiency.
(14) Application and implementation of alternative energy
and energy distribution technologies that significantly
increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
including solar, wind, geothermal, district heating and cooling
systems, and other renewable energy resources.
(15) Development and promotion of land use guidelines or
requirements that result in energy efficiency and greenhouse
gas emission reductions, including mixed use development,
transit-oriented development, active living land use planning,
and alternative transportation infrastructure such as bike
lanes and pathways, pedestrian-oriented transportation, and
parking for alternative forms of transportation.
(16) Promotion of greater participation and efficiency
rates for material conservation programs, including source
reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs
that lead to increases in energy efficiency and reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions.
(17) Establishment of an office to assist in the
development and implementation of the Energy Efficiency and
Climate Protection Strategy.
SEC. 7. INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.
Funds provided through a grant under this Act may be not used for
the following activities:
(1) Purchase or leasing of equipment or vehicles for the
private sector.
(2) Purchase of pollution control equipment for private
electric utilities.
SEC. 8. REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
(a) Proposed Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after being awarded a
grant under this Act, an eligible unit of local government shall submit
to the Secretary a proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection
Strategy which establishes goals for increased energy efficiency and
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction of the
eligible units of local government. The Strategy shall include plans
for the use of funds received under the grant to assist the eligible
unit of local government in the achievement of such goals, consistent
with sections 6 and 7. In developing such a Strategy, an eligible unit
of local government shall take into account any plans for the use of
funds by adjoining eligible units of local governments funded under
this Act.
(b) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed
Strategy submitted under subsection (a) not later than 90 days after
receiving it. If the Secretary disapproves a proposed Strategy, the
Secretary shall provide to the eligible unit of local government the
reasons for such disapproval. The eligible unit of local government may
revise and resubmit the Strategy, as many times as required, until
approval is granted.
(c) Funding for Preparation of Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Until the Secretary has approved a
proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy
under subsection (b), the Secretary shall only disburse to an
eligible unit of local government $200,000 or 20 percent of the
grant, whichever is greater, which may be used only for
preparation of the Strategy.
(2) Remainder of funds.--The remainder of an eligible unit
of local government's grant funds awarded but not disbursed
under paragraph (1) shall remain available and shall be
disbursed by the Secretary upon approval of the Strategy.
(d) Limitations on Use of Funds.--Of the amounts provided through a
grant under this Act, an eligible unit of local government may use--
(1) not more than 10 percent, or $75,000, whichever is
greater, for administrative expenses, not including expenses
needed to meet reporting requirements under this Act;
(2) not more than 20 percent, or $250,000, whichever is
greater, for the establishment of revolving loan funds; and
(3) not more than 20 percent, or $250,000, whichever is
greater, for subgranting to nongovernmental organizations for
the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the Energy
Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy.
(e) Annual Report.--Not later than 2 years after receipt of the
first disbursement of funds from a grant awarded under this Act, and
annually thereafter, an eligible unit of local government shall submit
a report to the Secretary on the status of the Strategy's development
and implementation, and, where practicable, a best available assessment
of energy efficiency gains and greenhouse gas reductions within the
jurisdiction of the eligible unit of local government.
SEC. 9. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES.
(a) Allocation of Grant Funds.--A State receiving a grant under
this Act shall use at least 70 percent of the funds received to provide
subgrants to units of local government in the State that are not
eligible units of local government. The State shall make such subgrant
awards not later than 6 months after approval of the State's Strategy
under subsection (c).
(b) Proposed Strategy.--Not later than 120 days the date of
enactment of this Act, each State shall submit to the Secretary a
proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy which
establishes a process for making subgrants described in subsection (a),
and establishes goals for increased energy efficiency and reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction of the State. The Strategy
shall include plans for the use of funds received under a grant under
this Act to assist the State in the achievement of such goals,
consistent with sections 6 and 7.
(c) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed
Strategy submitted under subsection (b) not later than 90 days after
receiving it. If the Secretary disapproves a proposed Strategy, the
Secretary shall provide to the State the reasons for such disapproval.
The State may revise and resubmit the Strategy, as many times as
required, until approval is granted.
(d) Funding for Preparation of Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Until the Secretary has approved a
proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy
under subsection (b), the Secretary shall only disburse to a
State $200,000 or 20 percent of the grant, whichever is
greater, which may be used only for preparation of the
Strategy.
(2) Remainder of funds.--The remainder of a State's grant
funds awarded but not disbursed under paragraph (1) shall
remain available and shall be disbursed by the Secretary upon
approval of the Strategy.
(e) Limitations on Use of Funds.--Of the amounts provided through a
grant under this Act, a State may use not more than 10 percent for
administrative expenses.
(f) Annual Reports.--A State shall annually report to the Secretary
on the development and implementation of its Strategy. Each such report
shall include--
(1) a status report on the State's subgrant program
described in subsection (a);
(2) a best available assessment of energy efficiency gains
and greenhouse gas reductions achieved through the State's
Strategy; and
(3) specific energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction
goals for future years.
SEC. 10. REVIEW AND EVALUATION.
The Secretary may review and evaluate the performance of grant
recipients, including by performing audits, and may deny funding to
such grant recipients for failure to properly adhere to--
(1) the Secretary's guidelines and regulations relating to
the program under this Act, including the misuse or
misappropriation of funds; or
(2) the grant recipient's Strategy.
SEC. 11. OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK GRANTS.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an Office of
Energy and Environmental Block Grants to administer the program under
this Act. The Director of the Office shall have the title of Assistant
Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection.
(b) State and Local Advisory Committee.--The Office shall establish
a State and Local Advisory Committee to provide it advice regarding the
administration, direction, and evaluation of the program under this
Act, and to assist in developing priorities for the Research, Technical
Assistance, and Education Program established under section 12.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for administrative expenses of the Office
established under subsection (a)--
(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(5) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
SEC. 12. RESEARCH, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND EDUCATION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Office of Energy and Environmental Block
Grants shall establish and carry out a Research, Technical Assistance,
and Education Program to provide--
(1) technical assistance to State and local governments;
(2) public education programs;
(3) demonstration of innovative energy efficiency and
greenhouse gas reduction systems, technologies, and practices;
and
(4) research and development of effective measurement
methodologies, methods for changing or influencing public
participation in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction
programs, and other methods to increase public awareness of,
and action on, the global warming crisis.
(b) Eligible Recipients.--Eligible recipients of assistance under
this section shall include State and local governments, State and local
government associations, public and private nonprofit organizations,
and colleges and universities.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section
$150,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for grants
under this Act--
(1) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(5) $6,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
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