Heating and Cooling Relief Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to increase assistance for low-income households struggling with home energy costs. It seeks to expand funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to address rising energy burdens, exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events. The bill includes provisions to streamline eligibility, improve data collection, prioritize weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades, and support a ‘just transition’ away from fossil fuels. It also addresses issues like utility shutoffs and arrears.
Key provisions
- Increases funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $3 billion annually.
- Expands eligibility criteria to include households with incomes up to 80% of the state median income.
- Establishes a standardized data tracking system for home energy payment arrears.
- Prioritizes weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households.
- Includes provisions to support a ‘just transition’ away from fossil fuels, including promoting renewable energy and decarbonization.
- Addresses utility shutoff protections and limits on late fees.
- Creates a grant program to support interagency plans to reduce energy burdens and promote a just transition.
- Modifies LIHEAP definitions and reporting requirements.
Who is affected
- Low-income households
- Low- and moderate-income families
Bill text
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Sponsors
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11 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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