[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 124 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself and Ms. Collins):
  S. 2361. A bill to reauthorize the budget-neutral demonstration 
program for energy and water conservation at multifamily residential 
units, to establish a green retrofit program, and for other purposes; 
to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am joining Senator Collins in 
introducing the Green Retrofits Act of 2021, which seeks to boost 
energy efficiency in multifamily residential homes across the Nation.
  The legislation would accomplish this goal through two complimentary 
paths. First, the bill would authorize a public-private partnership 
program to make energy efficiency upgrades to properties currently 
receiving assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD). Second, it would direct the Secretary of HUD to 
create a program to distribute grants and loans for energy efficiency 
and home health upgrades in multifamily homes.
  One of the most important investments we can make for our environment 
and our economy is in energy efficiency. Indeed, building a cleaner, 
more efficient energy system will increase America's global 
competitiveness, support job growth, and save families and businesses 
money through reduced energy consumption--all while reducing our carbon 
footprint. Further, investments in efficiency can be undertaken quickly 
and provide immediate benefits.
  According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, more than half 
of energy consumption in U.S. households is for two basic needs: 
heating and cooling. As our constituents in Maine and Rhode Island know 
all too well, these bills can get quite high during New England 
winters, and no one should be forced to choose between staying warm in 
the winter and buying groceries and medicine for their families. 
Improving the efficiency of building components such as heating, 
cooling, and lighting systems will help households lower their energy 
bills, reduce health and safety risks, and improve the quality of life 
for residents.
  Our legislation is supported nationally by the National Center for 
Healthy Housing, and in my state by the Rhode Island Office of Energy 
Resources and Rhode Island Housing. These state agencies have both made 
significant strides in clean energy and energy efficiency policy and I 
am glad this legislation will provide more resources to bolster those 
efforts.
  With our economy still recovering from the pandemic, and the threat 
of climate change continuing to mount, it is more important than ever 
that we take steps to reduce costs for American families and decrease 
energy consumption.
  I urge our colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense 
legislation.
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