Kristen Cheriegate | ICAST Policy Analyst
*******************
U.S. Government Draft Budget Proposals Released for Fiscal Year 2024
In the President’s Budget Message, President Biden states his budget goals to continue lowering costs like affordable housing, home energy bills, and more. Budget Highlights include:
Department of Energy (DOE):
- $11.9B in climate and clean energy research development, demonstration, and deployment to achieve a 50-52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050 while also cutting energy bills for American families
- Nearly $2B to support clean energy workforce and infrastructure projects
- $425M to weatherize and retrofit homes of low-income Americans
- $83M to electrify tribal homes and transition tribal colleges and universities to renewable energy
- $107M for the Grid Deployment Office to support utilities and State and local governments in building a grid that is more secure, reliable, and resilient and that integrates increasing levels of renewable energy
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
- $1.8B for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to construct and rehabilitate affordable rental housing and provide homeownership opportunities
- $3.2B for Public Housing modernization
- $300M to improve the energy efficiency, climate resilience, and physical condition of the Public Housing stock
House Republican Leadership has proposed budget cuts on HUD programs. The impact of these cuts is detailed in a letter by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge (provided here). Contact your Federal Representatives if you want to weigh in on this issue.
Department of Energy to Support States in Preparation for Home Energy Rebate Programs
The Biden-Harris Administration announced new funding from the DOE to support states as they prepare to administer the upcoming Home Energy Rebate programs authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The DOE posted an Administrative and Legal Requirements Document detailing how states may access funds to hire staff, prepare their workforce, and engage with constituents ahead of the forthcoming Home Energy Rebates. Funding set aside for tribal nations will be available following the completion of the ongoing tribal consultation process. Learn more.
Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy Issue Framework for Maintaining Grid Reliability
The power sector is facing rising challenges to reliability—from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events to higher energy demand. To support reliability in the face of these challenges, the DOE and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a Joint Memorandum of Understanding on Interagency Communication and Consultation on Electric Reliability. The agreement provides a framework for both agencies to support reliable electric service as they carry out their respective missions and authorities and as the power sector adapts to rapid changes.