The Rural Energy Savings Act modifies an existing federal program that helps rural communities finance energy efficiency improvements to buildings and homes. The bill expands who can participate in the program by adding Indian Tribes and green banks (nonprofit organizations that use financing tools to promote clean energy) as eligible entities. It also broadens what counts as an energy efficiency measure to include renewable energy systems and manufactured housing replacements, and allows loans to be offered to consumers outside of rural areas if they're served by participating entities. The legislation adds a new grant component alongside the existing loans, providing eligible entities with grants equal to five percent of their loan amounts, or ten percent if they serve persistently poor counties, to help cover administrative costs. The bill extends the program's authorization through 2033 and increases funding for outreach, training, and technical assistance activities.
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