Bipartisan Weatherization Reauthorization Bill Approved by House Subcommittee

The Building Performance Association (BPA) recently expressed its appreciation as the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Energy unanimously advanced the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement & Readiness Act (H.R. 1355). This development took place during a recent session, marking a significant step forward in the support of energy efficiency and job creation initiatives in the United States.

The Weatherization Enhancement & Readiness Act aims to extend the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through 2030, an essential initiative designed to reduce energy bills for low-income families while also fostering jobs in the contractor sector. Notably, the act proposes an increase in the Average Cost Per Unit for housing upgrades to $12,000, which is necessary to keep pace with the rising costs of wages and materials. Furthermore, it aims to authorize the already existing Weatherization Readiness Fund aimed at breaking down barriers to weatherization efforts.

Steve Skodak, CEO of the Building Performance Association, acknowledged the collaborative bipartisan efforts of the subcommittee's leaders, including Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH), Ranking Member Kathy Castor (D-FL), and others, for their dedication to advancing this critical legislation. Skodak emphasized the importance of ensuring that low-income families have ongoing access to necessary upgrades, which not only improves energy efficiency but also supports local jobs associated with the work performed by contractors in the community.

The legislative move comes on the heels of the WAP's statutory authorization expiration on September 30, 2025, which had previously been renewed by former President Trump in the bipartisan Energy Act of 2020. Reauthorizing the WAP is crucial for the Department of Energy to maintain its obligation to operate the program—an essential resource for families needing assistance.

In a display of support for the legislation, Kara Saul Rinaldi, BPA's Chief Policy Officer, testified before the House subcommittee highlighting the job-creating potential of weatherization projects. She stated, "Weatherization is a job creator. Our contractors are very supportive of WAP because of that real connection they have with their customers and the training it provides them."

Earlier this year, pushing for this crucial reauthorization, nearly 750 BPA contractors and weatherization stakeholders came together to sign a grassroots support letter dedicated to H.R. 1355, indicating strong backing from the industry.

During the markup session, Chairman Latta emphasized the role of WAP in lowering energy costs for low-income households by boosting home energy efficiency. He expressed hope for a bipartisan compromise before moving to a full committee markup of the bill. Similarly, Full Committee Chairman Guthrie reiterated the significance of the bill, reinforcing their commitment to work towards a universally agreeable outcome, ensuring WAP continues to assist vulnerable populations effectively.

However, the Energy Subcommittee also discussed competing legislation, including H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, proposed by Rep. Goldman (R-TX). This bill could potentially repeal state-level initiatives targeted at training residential energy contractors and funding energy-efficient home improvements, such as insulation rebates and electrification incentives, which serve to protect low- and moderate-income households from escalating utility costs while simultaneously endorsing local contractor employment.

BPA's Skodak expressed concern over these competing measures, stating that they could undercut critical efficiency programs vital to American families and small business contractors. He confirmed BPA's commitment to continuing advocacy for policies and programs focused on energy efficiency that are crucial to lowering bills for citizens and supporting the nation's workforce in the energy efficiency sector.

About Building Performance Association

The Building Performance Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that represents businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies dedicated to improving the energy efficiency, comfort, health, and safety of homes across America. Advocating for policies conducive to the growth of energy efficiency businesses, BPA acts as a key voice on Capitol Hill to influence both state and national level legislation. For further details, visit BPA's website.