The Biden administration has opened applications for federal tax rebates aimed at supporting energy-saving home improvement projects and the transition to electric appliances. These programs, part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, have a combined spending of over $8.5 billion and focus on energy-efficient upgrades and electrification.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted the benefits of these upgrades, stating that they lower utility costs and lead to healthier homes while bringing the country closer to a clean, safer future.
Efficiency efforts are crucial for addressing climate change caused by emissions from cars, homes, and businesses. The federal spending represents one of the largest national investments in history, and the way the funds are distributed to homeowners will set a precedent for future funding.
Amidst heat waves and wildfire smoke, the value of energy-efficient homes becomes even more apparent for those forced indoors. By keeping cool air inside, these homes provide a vital refuge for Americans. A heat pump installed in a rowhouse in northwest Denver serves as an example of such improvements.
The success of these programs depends on the design choices made by state, territorial, and tribal governments. The Department of Energy has outlined nationwide standards for spending the funds and measuring energy savings, aiming for a more modern and accurate method of reducing wasted energy.
There are two main types of energy savings programs: modeled and measured. The measured approach, used only in California, has shown to save more than twice as much energy as the modeled approach. States will need to indicate their choice of programs when applying for funding.
However, some Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to accepting the federal rebate money, echoing past resistance to similar funding opportunities. State and federal officials acknowledge the challenges posed by data issues but remain committed to building data tools to track the impacts of the programs.
In addition to energy savings, Biden’s climate-spending law includes benefits for low-income households. Qualifying homeowners will need to provide proof of income, and the program allows easy access to both programs for eligible applicants.
The Biden administration aims to distribute the first rebates to homeowners by the end of the year.
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