Kristen Cheriegate | ICAST Policy Analyst
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Path to Update Energy Efficiency Standards
DOE is required to establish and periodically review minimum energy efficiency standards that products such as light bulbs, clothes dryers, air conditioners, etc., must meet. By law, these standards must save energy, be cost-effective, and be technologically feasible for manufacturers. While energy efficiency standards for numerous products have fallen out of date for several years, federal regulators are working to get them back on track. Per the DOE, finalizing all pending standards would reduce climate pollution by more than 2.4 billion metric tons and save consumers $570 billion from the affected products sold over 30 years.
New Guidance on Zero Energy Ready Homes and Energy Efficient Homes 45L Tax Credit
In September, the IRS released guidance on the 45L tax credit to clarify who is eligible to claim the credit, what the energy savings requirements are for each tier of the credit (e.g., for homes certified under DOE’s Zero-Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program), and what the requirements are for certification and substantiation. ZERH program requirements vary by housing sector, and new editions of the requirements are referred to as program “versions.” In November, DOE released information on project certification according to the various ZERH versions. Read the bulletin to learn more.
Inflation Reduction Act Bonus Mapper Introduced
America is All in, a coalition of leaders from thousands of cities, states, tribal nations, and more, has created a tool to help users determine their eligibility for certain funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act. This tool is designed to reduce the difficulty of navigating funding opportunities by bringing together guidance into one simple map.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Funds for Environmental Justice
the Biden-Harris Administration announced $2 billion for Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants, funded by the IRA and managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One hundred percent of the benefits of the Community Change Grants will be delivered to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Eligible activities under this program include:
- community-led air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments in low and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure and workforce development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants;
- climate resiliency and adaptation; and
- reducing indoor toxins and indoor air pollution
The Notice of Funding Opportunity will close on November 21, 2024.