Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
Summary
The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act aims to repeal specific provisions of Public Law 117-169, which relate to taxpayer subsidies for home electrification. This includes repealing sections concerning high-efficiency electric home rebate programs, state-based home energy efficiency contractor training grants, and assistance for the latest and zero building energy code adoption. The Act also rescinds unobligated balances from the repealed sections.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act would eliminate federal support for certain home electrification initiatives. This would likely shift the financial burden of these programs away from federal taxpayers and potentially onto state or local governments, or individual homeowners. The Act reflects a change in policy direction regarding federal involvement in promoting energy efficiency and electrification.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the tax burden on citizens by eliminating subsidies.
- Could lead to more market-driven innovation in the energy sector.
- May decrease federal government spending and reduce the national debt.
- Could allow states to tailor energy efficiency programs to their specific needs.
- May reduce potential federal overreach into state and local energy policies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May slow down the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in homes.
- Could increase the upfront costs for homeowners seeking to electrify their homes.
- May reduce job opportunities in the energy efficiency contractor training sector.
- Could hinder efforts to meet climate change mitigation goals.
- May disproportionately affect low-income households who rely on these subsidies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which includes the power to tax and spend for the general welfare. The repeal of existing laws is a legitimate exercise of this power. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).