[House Report 113-479]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
113th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 113-479
======================================================================
STREAMLINING ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR SCHOOLS ACT OF 2014
_______
June 19, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Upton, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 4092]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 4092) to amend the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act to establish the Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy as the lead Federal agency for
coordinating Federal, State, and local assistance provided to
promote the energy retrofitting of schools, having considered
the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and
recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 2
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 2
Hearings......................................................... 3
Committee Consideration.......................................... 4
Committee Votes.................................................. 4
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 4
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 4
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 4
Earmark, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff Benefits....... 4
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 4
Congressional Budget Office Estimate............................. 4
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 5
Duplication of Federal Programs.................................. 5
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings.............................. 6
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 6
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 6
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 6
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 6
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Streamlining Energy Efficiency for
Schools Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETROFITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS.
Section 392 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6371a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for Schools.--
``(1) Definition of school.--Notwithstanding section 391(6),
for the purposes of this subsection, the term `school' means--
``(A) an elementary school or secondary school (as
defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
``(B) an institution of higher education (as defined
in section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1002(a));
``(C) a school of the defense dependents' education
system under the Defense Dependents' Education Act of
1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.) or established under
section 2164 of title 10, United States Code;
``(D) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs;
``(E) a tribally controlled school (as defined in
section 5212 of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of
1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)); and
``(F) a Tribal College or University (as defined in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059c(b))).
``(2) Establishment of clearinghouse.--The Secretary, acting
through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
shall establish a clearinghouse to disseminate information
regarding available Federal programs and financing mechanisms
that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy
efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting
projects for schools.
``(3) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall--
``(A) consult with appropriate Federal agencies to
develop a list of Federal programs and financing
mechanisms that are, or may be, used for the purposes
described in paragraph (2); and
``(B) coordinate with appropriate Federal agencies to
develop a collaborative education and outreach effort
to streamline communications and promote available
Federal programs and financing mechanisms described in
subparagraph (A), which may include the development and
maintenance of a single online resource that includes
contact information for relevant technical assistance
in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
that States, local education agencies, and schools may
use to effectively access and use such Federal programs
and financing mechanisms.''.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 4092, the ``Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools
Act of 2014,'' was introduced by Representative Cartwright (D-
PA) on February 26, 2014. The legislation establishes a
clearinghouse within the Department of Energy (DOE) to
consolidate and maintain information regarding available
federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used by
schools to develop and implement energy efficiency, distributed
generation, and energy retrofitting projects.
Background and Need for Legislation
The 17,450 K-12 school districts in the United States spend
approximately $6 billion each year on energy bills, second only
to personnel costs while exceeding the costs of textbooks and
supplies.\1\ In fact, ``as much as 30 percent of a school
district's total energy is used inefficiently or
unnecessarily.''\2\ Yet, an estimated 14 million American
children attend deteriorating public schools and, according to
a Department of Education survey, ``53 percent of public
schools needed to spend money on repairs, renovations, and
modernizations to put the school's onsite buildings in good
overall condition.''\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ENERGY STAR, ``Schools: An Overview of Energy Use and Energy
Efficiency Opportunities.''
\2\Id.
\3\U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education
Statistics, ``Condition of America's Public School Facilities: 2012-
2013,'' at p. 3 (Mar. 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy expenses are one of the few costs that can be
reduced while also improving classroom instruction. Cost-
savings realized from improved energy efficiency can be used to
help pay for building improvements and classroom upgrades.
Examples of cost-effective energy efficiency measures available
to schools include:
Install energy-efficient lighting systems
and controls that improve light quality and reduce heat
gain.
Upgrade and maintain heating and cooling
equipment.
Use a performance contract to guarantee
energy savings from upgrades.
Work with an energy services provider to
help manage and improve energy performance.
Install window films and add insulation or
reflective roof coating to reduce energy consumption.
There are numerous federal initiatives already available to
schools to help them become more energy efficient. However,
these programs are spread across the federal government, making
it challenging, time consuming, and costly for schools to
identify and take full advantage of these programs.
The ``Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act''
would provide a consolidated structure to help schools better
navigate available federal programs, such as DOE's EnergySmart
Schools program and EPA's Energy Star for K-12 School Districts
program, and financing options to develop certain energy
projects. Specifically, the bill establishes a clearinghouse to
disseminate information regarding available Federal programs
and financing mechanisms that may be used by schools to
initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, distributed
generation, and energy retrofitting projects.
The bill also directs DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy to coordinate with Federal agencies to develop
a collaborative education and outreach effort to streamline
communications and promote available Federal programs and
financing mechanisms. This may include the development and
maintenance of a single online resource that provides a ``one-
stop-shop'' that States, local education agencies, and schools
may use to effectively access and use such Federal programs and
financing mechanisms.
Supporters of the Legislation
Supporters of the bill include ASHRAE and U.S. Green
Building Council.
Hearings
The Committee on Energy and Commerce has not held hearings
on the legislation.
Committee Consideration
On April 29 and 30, 2014, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce met in open markup session. During the markup, an
amendment in the nature of a substitute was offered and adopted
by a voice vote. The Committee ordered H.R. 4092 favorably
reported, by a voice vote, to the House of Representatives, as
amended.
Committee Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto.
There were no record votes taken in connection with ordering
H.R. 4092 reported. A motion by Mr. Upton to order H.R. 4092
reported to the House, as amended, was agreed to by a voice
vote.
Committee Oversight Findings
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee made findings that are
reflected in this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
H.R. 4092 establishes a clearinghouse within DOE to
consolidate and maintain information regarding available
federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used by
schools to develop and implement energy efficiency, distributed
generation, and energy retrofitting projects.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures
In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R.
4092, would result in no new or increased budget authority,
entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues.
Earmark, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff Benefits
In compliance with clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI
of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee
finds that H.R. 4092 contains no earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits.
Committee Cost Estimate
The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared
by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
Congressional Budget Office Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate
provided by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section
402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, May 20, 2014.
Hon. Fred Upton,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4092, the
Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan
Carroll.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Elmendorf.
Enclosure.
H.R. 4092--Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014
H.R. 4092 would require the Secretary of Energy to
establish a centralized clearinghouse to disseminate
information on federal programs, incentives, and mechanisms for
financing energy-efficient retrofits and upgrades at schools.
The bill would direct the Secretary to work with other federal
agencies to develop a comprehensive list of such federal
programs and to streamline efforts to publicize them through
education and outreach.
Based on information from the Department of Energy (DOE)
about current levels of spending for similar efforts, CBO
estimates that enacting H.R. 4092 would not significantly
affect the federal budget. We estimate that any additional
costs incurred by DOE to expand existing efforts to promote
opportunities to boost energy efficiency of schools under H.R.
4092 would total less than $500,000 annually, assuming the
availability of appropriated funds. H.R. 4092 would not affect
direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go
procedures do not apply.
H.R. 4092 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and
would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll.
The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Federal Mandates Statement
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act.
Duplication of Federal Programs
No provision of H.R. 4092 establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings
The Committee estimates that enacting H.R. 4092
specifically directs no rule makings within the meaning of 5
U.S.C. 551 to be completed.
Advisory Committee Statement
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this
legislation.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation
Section 1. Short title
This section provides the short title of the ``Streamlining
Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014.''
Section 2. Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for Schools
This section amends Section 392 of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act by adding a new subsection (e)--``Coordination
of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for Schools.''
Subsection (e)(1) adds a new definition of ``school'' for
purposes of this subsection.
Subsection (e)(2) requires the Secretary of Energy to
establish a clearinghouse to disseminate information regarding
available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be
used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency,
distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for
schools.
Subsection (e)(3) provides that, in carrying out subsection
(e)(2), the Secretary of Energy shall: (1) consult with
appropriate Federal agencies to develop a list of Federal
programs and financing mechanisms that are, or may be, used to
implement subsection (e)(2); and (2) coordinate with
appropriate Federal agencies to develop a collaborative
education and outreach effort to streamline communications and
promote available Federal programs and financing mechanisms,
which may include the development and maintenance of a single
online resource that includes contact information for relevant
technical assistance within the Department of Energy that
States, local education agencies, and schools may use to
effectively access and use such Federal programs and financing
mechanisms.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is
printed in italic and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
SECTION 392 OF THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT
guidelines
Sec. 392. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(e) Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for
Schools.--
(1) Definition of school.--Notwithstanding section
391(6), for the purposes of this subsection, the term
``school'' means--
(A) an elementary school or secondary school
(as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801));
(B) an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 102(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a));
(C) a school of the defense dependents'
education system under the Defense Dependents'
Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.)
or established under section 2164 of title 10,
United States Code;
(D) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs;
(E) a tribally controlled school (as defined
in section 5212 of the Tribally Controlled
Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)); and
(F) a Tribal College or University (as
defined in section 316(b) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))).
(2) Establishment of clearinghouse.--The Secretary,
acting through the Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, shall establish a clearinghouse to
disseminate information regarding available Federal
programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to
help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency,
distributed generation, and energy retrofitting
projects for schools.
(3) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall--
(A) consult with appropriate Federal agencies
to develop a list of Federal programs and
financing mechanisms that are, or may be, used
for the purposes described in paragraph (2);
and
(B) coordinate with appropriate Federal
agencies to develop a collaborative education
and outreach effort to streamline
communications and promote available Federal
programs and financing mechanisms described in
subparagraph (A), which may include the
development and maintenance of a single online
resource that includes contact information for
relevant technical assistance in the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy that
States, local education agencies, and schools
may use to effectively access and use such
Federal programs and financing mechanisms.