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CRS Reviews Federal Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives

DEC. 14, 2016

R40913

DATED DEC. 14, 2016
DOCUMENT ATTRIBUTES
Citations: R40913

 

December 14, 2016

 

 

Congressional Research Service

 

7-5700

 

www.crs.gov

 

R40913

 

 

Summary

Energy is crucial to the operation of a modern industrial and services economy. Recently, there have been growing concerns about the availability and cost of energy and about environmental impacts of fossil energy use. Those concerns have rekindled interest in energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies.

Many of the existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs have authorizations tracing back to the 1970s. Many of the programs have been reauthorized and redesigned repeatedly to meet changing economic factors. The programs apply broadly to sectors ranging from industry to academia, and from state and local governments to rural communities.

Since 2005, Congress has enacted several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA; P.L. 110-343); and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). Each of those laws established, expanded, or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) programs. The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs. The Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) operate several programs. A few programs can also be found among the Departments of the Interior (DOI), Labor (DOL), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

This report describes federal programs that provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy. For each program, the report provides the administering agency, authorizing statute(s), annual funding, and the program expiration date. The appendixes provide summary information in a tabular format and also list recently expired programs.

                                Contents

 

 

 Introduction

 

 

 I. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable

 

    Energy

 

 

      Renewable Energy

 

 

           Biomass

 

 

                1. Bioenergy Technologies Program (formerly the Biomass

 

                   and Biorefinery Systems R&D Program)

 

 

                2. Regional Biomass Energy Grant Programs

 

 

           Geothermal

 

 

                3. Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP)

 

 

           Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

 

 

                4. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Program

 

 

           Solar

 

 

                5. Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) Water Power

 

 

                6. Water Power Program (formerly Wind and Hydropower

 

                   Technologies Program)

 

 

           Wind Energy Program

 

 

                7. Wind Energy Program (formerly Wind and Hydropower

 

                   Technologies Program)

 

 

      Energy Efficiency

 

 

           Buildings

 

 

                8. Building Technologies Program

 

 

                9. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

 

 

           Industrial

 

 

               10. Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO, formerly the

 

                   Industrial Technologies Program -- ITP)

 

 

               11. Inventions and Innovations Program

 

 

           Vehicles

 

 

               12. Vehicle Technologies Program

 

 

      Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs

 

 

               13. Conservation Research and Development Grants

 

 

               14. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information

 

                   Dissemination, Outreach, Training, and Technical

 

                   Analysis/Assistance Grant Program

 

 

               15. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology

 

                   Deployment, Demonstration, and Commercialization

 

                   Grant Program

 

 

               16. Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

 

 

               17. Renewable Energy Research and Development Program

 

 

               18. State Energy Program (SEP)

 

 

               19. Tribal Energy Program (TEP)

 

 

      Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs

 

 

               20. Advanced Research Projects Energy Financial

 

                   Assistance Program (ARPA-E)

 

 

               21. Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability,

 

                   Research, Development and Analysis Grant Program

 

                   (Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy

 

                   Reliability -- OE)

 

 

               22. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)

 

 

               23. Financial Assistance Program (Office of Science)

 

 

               24. Loan Guarantee Program (Office of the Chief

 

                   Financial Officer)

 

 

               25. Small Business Innovation Research Program

 

                   (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer Program

 

                   (STTR)

 

 

 II. U.S Department of the Treasury

 

 

      Homeowner

 

 

                1. Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy

 

                   Exclusion(Corporate and Personal)

 

 

                2. Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

 

 

                3. Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

 

 

      Business and Industry

 

 

                4. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

 

 

                5. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction

 

 

                6. Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home

 

                   Builders

 

 

                7. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit

 

 

      State, Local, and Tribal Governments

 

 

                8. Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds

 

 

      Cross-Cutting

 

 

                9. Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

 

 

 III. Department of Agriculture

 

 

                1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities

 

                   Program

 

 

                2. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

 

 

                3. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

 

 

                4. Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased

 

                   Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. (formerly

 

                   the Biorefinery Assistance Program)

 

 

                5. Community Wood Energy Program

 

 

                6. New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program

 

 

                7. Repowering Assistance Program (RAP)

 

 

                8. Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants and

 

                   Loans

 

 

                9. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

 

                   Program (SARE)

 

 

 IV. Department of the Interior

 

 

                1. Energy and Mineral Development Program: Minerals and

 

                   Mining on Indian Lands

 

 

                2. Tribal Energy Development Capacity Grant Program

 

 

 V. Small Business Administration

 

 

                1. 7(a) Loan Guarantees

 

 

                2. 504 Loan Guarantees

 

 

 VI. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

 

 

                1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

 

 

                2. FHA PowerSaver Loan Program

 

 

 VII. Department of Labor

 

 

                1. Program of Competitive Grants for Worker Training

 

                   and Placement in High Growth and Emerging Industry

 

                   Sectors

 

 

 VIII. Department of Health and Human Services

 

 

                1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

 

 

 IX. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

 

                1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

 

 

 X. Fannie Mae

 

 

                1. Fannie Mae Green Initiative-Loan Program

 

 

 Tables

 

 

 Table A-1. Federal Incentives by Agency

 

 

 Table B-1. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility

 

 

 Table B-2. Index of Programs by Technology Type

 

 

 Table D-1. Expired Federal Incentives by Agency

 

 

 Table D-2. Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit (26 U.S.C. § 30B)

 

 

 Appendixes

 

 

 Appendix A. Summary of Federal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

 

             Incentives/Index of Programs

 

 

 Appendix B. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility and Technology

 

             Type

 

 

 Appendix C. Expired Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

 

             Incentive Programs

 

 

 Appendix D. Summary of Expired Federal Renewable Energy and Energy

 

             Efficiency Incentives/Index of Programs

 

 

 Contacts

 

 

 Author Contact Information

 

 

Introduction

The United States has an abundance of natural resources. For much of the nation's history, energy was not a concern as commerce and industry needs could be met by domestic supplies. However, industrialization and population growth, and the continuing development of a consumer-oriented society, soon led to the necessity of obtaining foreign sources of energy to supplement the demands of a growing economy.

Recognition of the implications of dependence on foreign sources of energy, coupled with concerns over the volatility of prices driven by fluctuations in supply spurred by world events, have led to efforts to increase U.S. energy independence and reduce domestic consumption. The result has been the emergence of a number of programs focused on energy efficiency and conservation of domestic resources and on research programs that target the development of renewable sources of energy. Many of these programs have roots going back almost 40 years and have been redesigned many times over that period.

Many of the current programs have been reauthorized and redesigned periodically to meet changing economic conditions and national interests. The programs apply broadly to sectors ranging from industry to academia, and from state and local governments to rural communities. Each program has been designed to meet current needs as well as future anticipated challenges.

Since 2005, Congress has enacted several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA; P.L. 110-343); and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). Each of those laws established, expanded, or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) programs. The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs. The Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) operate several programs. A few programs can also be found among the Departments of the Interior (DOI), Labor (DOL), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

This report outlines current federal programs and provisions providing grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy RDD&D. The programs are grouped by administering agency with references to applicable federal agency websites. Incentives are summarized and indexed in the appendixes.

Most program descriptions were compiled from authorizing statutes, the U.S. Code, and Administration budget request documents. Other program descriptions and some funding information were compiled from The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), and the Energy Star website. Most budgetary figures were compiled from executive agency budget justifications and congressional committee reports. For more information on agriculture-related grant programs, please see CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy. For more information on programs supporting thedevelopment and deployment of alternatives to conventional fuels and engines in transportation, please also see CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.

I. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Biomass

1. Bioenergy Technologies Program (formerly the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems R&D Program)

Administered by

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Authority

Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Tax Act (P.L. 95-618)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)

Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (P.L. 101-549)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-575)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (Title III of Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000; P.L. 106-224)

Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171)

Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$89.8 million for FY2006

$196.3 million for FY2007

$195.6 million for FY2008

$214 million for FY2009

An additional $777 million in FY2009 from ARRA

$220 million for FY2010

$180 million for FY2011

$195 million for FY2012

$185.2 million for FY2013

$182.3 million for FY2014

$175.9 million for FY2015

$225 million for FY2016

$278 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled

None

Termination Description

This program works with industrial partners, national laboratories, universities, and other stakeholders to develop the technologies and systems needed to cost-effectively transform the nation's renewable and abundant domestic biomass resources into clean, affordable, and sustainable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. In recent years, the program has been primarily geared toward development and deployment of ethanol from non-food feedstocks, but is now expanding its scope to additional alternative fuels, such as bio-butanol, green gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Colleges and universities; profit organizations

Qualified Technologies

Biomass

For More Information

See CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.; DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Program overview; DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office -- Financial Opportunities online resource; and program number 81.087 at the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) website

2. Regional Biomass Energy Grant Programs

Administered by

Bioenergy Technologies Office, EERE

Authority

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for FY1987 (P.L. 99-591)

Annual Funding

$395,000 for FY2007

$75,131 for FY2008

$25,705 for FY2009

$4.8 million for FY2010

$0 for FY2011-FY2016

FY2017 budget request data is currently unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides assistance to increase America's use of fuels, chemicals, materials, and power made from domestic biomass on a sustainable basis. Assistance may be used to develop and transfer any of several biomass energy technologies to the scientific and industrial communities. For regional programs, such technologies will be appropriate for the needs and resources of particular regions of the United States.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and local governments; colleges and universities; profit organizations; nonprofit organizations

Qualified Technologies

Biomass

For More Information

See program number 81.079 at the CFDA website

Geothermal

3. Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act (P.L. 93-410)

Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-575)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$68.2 million for FY2006

$5 million for FY2007

$19.3 million for FY2008

$43.3 million for FY2009

An additional $393 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$44 million for FY2010

$37 million for FY2011

$37 million for FY2012

$35 million for FY2013

$44.8 million for FY2014

$54.3 million for FY2015

$71 million for FY2016

$99.5 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program partners the federal government with industry, academia, and research facilities to further the development of geothermal energy technologies. Competitive solicitations issued as Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are the principal mechanism used by the GTP to contract for cost-shared research, development, and demonstration projects.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Profit organizations; colleges and universities

Qualified Technologies

Geothermal

For More Information

See EERE's Geothermal Technologies Program website; and program number 81.087 at the CFDA website

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

4. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-275)

Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act (P.L. 94-413)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978 (Title III of Department of Energy Act of 1978-Civilian Applications; P.L. 95-238)

Methane Transportation Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-512)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-494)

Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-566)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-271)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$153.4 million for FY2006

$190 million for FY2007

$206.2 million for FY2008

$164.6 million for FY2009

An additional $43 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$174 million for FY2010

$95.8 million for FY2011

$101.3 million for FY2012

$95.8 million for FY2013

$89.5 million for FY2014

$94.8 million for FY2015

$101 million for FY2016

$105.5 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program partners with industry, academia, and national laboratories and works in close coordination with Vehicle Technologies and other programs at DOE to overcome technical barriers through R&D of hydrogen production, delivery, and storage technologies; overcome technical barriers to fuel cell technologies for transportation, distributed stationary power, and portable power applications; address safety issues and facilitate the development of model codes and standards; validate and demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cells in real-world conditions; and educate key stakeholders whose acceptance of these technologies will determine their success in the marketplace.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federal government; national laboratories; colleges and universities; and profit organizations

Qualified Technologies

Hydrogen and fuel cells

For More Information

See EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies website; and program number 81.087 at the CFDA website

Solar

5. Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1984 (P.L. 95-590)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-575)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Technical Amendments Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-46)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$81.8 million for FY2006

$157 million for FY2007

$166.3 million for FY2008

$172.4 million for FY2009

An additional $116 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$247 million for FY2010

$259.6 million for FY2011

$284.7 million for FY2012

$269.1 million for FY2013

$254.3 million for FY2014

$230.8 million for FY2015

$241.6 million for FY2016

$285.1 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

SETP partners with industry, national laboratories, and universities to develop and bring reliable and affordable solar energy technologies to the marketplace. This program finances R&D in four major subprograms: Photovoltaics (PV); Concentrating Solar Power (CSP); Systems Integration for Solar Technologies; and Market Transformation for Solar Technologies.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Industry; national laboratories; colleges and universities

Qualified Technologies

Solar

For More Information

See EERE's Solar Energy Technologies Program website; and program number 81.087 at the CFDA website

Water Power

6. Water Power Program (formerly Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-575)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$495,000 for FY2006

$0 for FY2007

$9.7 million for FY2008

$39.1 million for FY2009

An additional $31.7 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$50 million for FY2010

$29.2 million for FY2011

$58.1 million for FY2012

$54.7 million for FY2013

$57.8 million for FY2014

$60 million for FY2015

$70 million for FY2016

$80 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program partners with the national laboratories, industry, universities, and other federal agencies to promote the development and deployment of technologies capable of generating environmentally sustainable and cost-effective electricity from the nation's water resources (both conventional and marine and hydrokinetic technologies).

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small businesses; colleges and universities

Qualified Technologies

Hydroelectric; hydrokinetic energy; wave energy; tidal energy; ocean thermal energy conversion

For More Information

See EERE's Water Power Program; or program number 81.087 at the CFDA website

Wind Energy Program

7. Wind Energy Program (formerly Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-575)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$38.3 million for FY2006

$48.7 million for FY2007

$49 million for FY2008

$54.4 million for FY2009

An additional $106.9 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$80 million for FY2010

$78.8 million for FY2011

$91.8 million for FY2012

$86.1 million for FY2013

$87 million for FY2014

$105.9 million for FY2015

$95.5 million for FY2016

$156 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program partners with federal, state, and other stakeholder groups to conduct research and development activities through competitively selected, cost-shared research and development projects with industry to improve the performance, lower the costs, and accelerate the deployment of wind energy technologies.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small businesses; colleges and universities

Qualified Technologies

Wind

For More See

EERE's Wind Energy Program website; and program number 81.087 at the CFDA Information website

Energy Efficiency

Buildings

8. Building Technologies Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)

Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)

National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)

National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments of 1988 (P.L. 100-357)

Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$68.2 million for FY2006

$103 million for FY2007

$107.4 million for FY2008

$138.1 million for FY2009

An additional $319.2 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$222 million for FY2010

$207.3 million for FY2011

$214.7 million for FY2012

$204.6 million for FY2013

$173.6 million for FY2014

$168.2 million for FY2015

$200.5 million for FY2016

$289 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

In partnership with the private sector, state and local governments, national laboratories, and universities, the Building Technologies Program works to improve the efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them. The program supports research and development (R&D) activities and provides tools, guidelines, training, and access to technical and financial resources.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and local governments; universities; national laboratories

Qualified Technologies

Energy-efficient innovations for building envelopes, equipment, lighting, daylighting, and windows; passive solar; photovoltaics; fuel cells; advanced sensors and controls; and combined heating, cooling, and power systems

For More Information

See EERE's Building Technologies Program website

9. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486 )

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$227.2 million for FY2008

$450 million for FY2009

An additional $5 billion appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$270 million for FY2010

$171 million for FY2011

$68 million for FY2012

$131.7 million for FY2013

$173.9 million for FY2014

$193 million for FY2015

$215 million for FY2016

$230 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. DOE provides funding and technical guidance to states, which manage the day-to-day details of the program. Low-income families receive services from a network of more than 900 local weatherization service providers who install energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying homeowners free of charge.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories

Qualified Technologies

Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Weatherization service providers choose the best package of efficiency measures for each home based on an energy audit of the home. Typical measures may include installing insulation, sealing ducts, tuning and repairing heating and cooling systems, and if indicated, replacement of the same; mitigating air infiltration; and reducing electric base load consumption.

For More Information

See EERE's Weatherization Assistance Program website; and program number 81.042 at the CFDA website

Industrial

10. Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO, formerly the Industrial Technologies Program -- ITP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$55.9 million for FY2006

$55.8 million for FY2007

$63.2 million for FY2008

$88.2 million for FY2009

An additional $261.5 million appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$96 million for FY2010

$105.9 million for FY2011

$112.7 million for FY2012

$114.3 million for FY2013

$175.4 million for FY2014

$194.2 million for FY2015

$228.5 million for FY2016

$261 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

AMO works with industry to improve industrial energy efficiency and environmental performance while increasing productivity by conducting R&D on new energy efficient technologies; supporting commercialization of emerging technologies; providing plants with access to proven technologies, energy assessments, software tools, and other resources; and promoting energy and carbon management in industry.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Industrial organizations

Qualified Technologies

Crosscutting technologies that improve the efficiency of technologies that are common to many industrial processes and can benefit multiple industries. Crosscutting technology R&D areas include combustion; distributed energy; energy intensity processes; fuel and feedstock liability; industrial materials for the future; nanomanufacturing; and sensors and automation.

For More Information

See EERE's Advanced Manufacturing Office website

11. Inventions and Innovations Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Policy Act (P.L. 93-577)

Annual Funding

$2.8 million for FY2007

$145,000 for FY2008

$1.8 million for FY2009

$3 million for FY2010

$0 for FY2011

$940,000 for FY2012

$1 million for FY2013

$0 for FY2014-FY2016

FY2017 budget request data is currently unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial and technical assistance for research and development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and inventions with future commercial market potential. Inventions and Innovations support energy efficiency and renewable energy technology development in focus areas that align with Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Individuals; small businesses

Qualified Technologies

Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed

For More Information

See program number 81.036 at the CFDA website. The U.S. Department of Energy's Inventions & Innovations website has been retired. To access information on financial opportunities and current solicitations, visit the Advanced Manufacturing Office's (formerly the Industrial Technologies Program's) financial opportunities website.

Vehicles

12. Vehicle Technologies Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$178.4 million for FY2006

$183.6 million for FY2007

$208.4 million for FY2008

$267.1 million for FY2009

An additional $2.8 billion appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$311.4 million for FY2010

$293.2 million for FY2011

$321 million for FY2012

$303.2 million for FY2013

$282.2 million for FY2014

$272.5 million for FY2015

$310 million for FY2016

$468.5 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

The Vehicle Technologies Program works with industry leaders to develop and deploy advanced transportation technologies that could achieve significant improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and displace oil with other fuels that ultimately can be domestically produced in a clean and cost-competitive manner. Program activities include research, development, demonstration, testing, technology validation, technology transfer, and education.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Industry; colleges and universities; federal, state, and local governments; national laboratories

Qualified Technologies

Hybrid electric systems; biofuels or fuels technology; advanced internal combustion engines; advanced propulsion materials

For More

Information See EERE's Vehicle Technology Program website; and EERE's Vehicle Technologies Program Factsheet

Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs

13. Conservation Research and Development Grants

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Further Continuing Appropriations Act for FY1983 (P.L. 97-377)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$87.5 million for FY2008

$203.7 million for FY2009

$1.96 billion for FY2010

$300 million for FY2011

$188.3 million for FY2012

$164 million for FY2013 (est.)

$38.5 million for FY2014

$0 for FY2015; $142,414,130 was de-obligated from this CFDA program number for FY2015

$50.7 million for FY2016 (est,)

FY2017 budget request data is unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides project grants to conduct balanced, long-term research efforts in buildings technologies, industrial technologies, vehicle technologies, and hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; and private nonprofit institutions/organizations

Qualified Technologies

Hydrogen and fuel cells; energy efficient technologies; advanced battery manufacturing

For More Information

See program number 81.086 at the CFDA website

14. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training, and Technical Analysis/Assistance Grant Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Annual Funding

$30 million for FY2007

$39.7 million for FY2008

$38 million for FY2009

$80.4 million for FY2010

$15 million for FY2011

$32.2 million for FY2012

$36.1 million for FY2013

$27.1 million for FY2014

$33.1 million for FY2015

$12.1 million for FY2016 (est.)

FY2017 budget request data is unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial assistance for information dissemination, outreach, training, and related technical analysis/assistance that will (1) stimulate increased energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, industry, and the federal sector and encourage increased use of renewable and alternative energy; and (2) accelerate the adoption of new technologies to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable and alternative energy through the competitive solicitation of applications.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and local governments; Native American organizations; individuals; universities; profit organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations; and Alaskan Native corporations

Qualified Technologies

Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed

For More Information

See program number 81.117 at the CFDA website

15. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology Deployment, Demonstration, and Commercialization Grant Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$0 for FY2008

$21.8 million for FY2009

$7.2 million for FY2010. All funds obligated under this program in FY2010 were Recovery Act funds

$1 million for FY2011

$0 for FY2012-FY2016; all obligations under this program were made with Recovery Act (P.L. 111-5) funds. No other funds have been obligated. Awarded funds had to be expended by September 30, 2015.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial assistance for the technology deployment, demonstration, and commercialization of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. This includes biomass, building technologies, federal energy management, geothermal technologies, projects involving hydrogen, fuel cells and infrastructure technologies, industrial technologies, solar energy technologies, vehicle technologies, weatherization and intergovernmental technologies, and wind and hydropower technologies.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State governments; profit organizations

Qualified Technologies

Biomass; geothermal; hydrogen and fuel cell technologies; solar; hydropower

For More Information

See program number 81.129 at the CFDA website

16. Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486), Title XII, Section 1212

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title II, Subtitle A, Section 202)

Annual Funding

$4.95 million for FY2006

$4.95 million for FY2007

$4.95 million for FY2008

$5 million for FY2009

$0 for FY2010-FY2016

$0 for FY2017; no request was made in the FY2017 DOE budget justification for this program

Scheduled Termination

End of FY2026

Description

This program provides incentive payments for electricity generated and sold by new qualifying renewable energy facilities. Qualifying systems are eligible for annual incentive payments of 1.5¢ per kilowatt-hour in 1993 dollars (indexed for inflation) for the first 10-year period of their operation, subject to the availability of annual appropriations in each federal fiscal year of operation.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; public utilities; not-for-profit electrical cooperatives; Native American corporations

Qualified Technologies

Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; geothermal electric; anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal

For More Information

See EERE's Renewable Energy Production Incentive Program website

17. Renewable Energy Research and Development Program

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Department of Energy Act of 1978-Civilian Applications (P.L. 95-238), Section 207

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-218)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$520 million for FY2008

$472.8 million for FY2009

$2.3 billion for FY2010 from ARRA funds

$114.7 million for FY2011

$233.2 million for FY2012

$356.6 million for FY2013

$157.7 million for FY2014

$0 for FY2015 (est.); $109,404,355 was de-obligated from this CFDA program number for FY2015 $115.2 million for FY2016 (est.)

FY2017 budget request data is unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Breakdown of additional funds appropriated from ARRA (2010):

Biomass -- $800 million

Geothermal -- $400 million

Hydrogen/Fuel Cell -- $43.4 million

Solar -- $117.6 million

Wind and Hydropower -- $118 million

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial assistance to conduct balanced research and development efforts in the following energy technologies: solar, biomass, hydrogen, fuel cells and infrastructure, wind and hydropower, hydrogen, and geothermal. Assistance may be used to develop and transfer renewable energy technologies to the scientific and industrial communities, states, and local governments.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; profit organizations; private nonprofit organizations

Qualified Technologies

Solar; biomass; hydrogen; fuel cells; wind; hydropower; geothermal

For More Information

See program number 81.087 at the CFDA website

18. State Energy Program (SEP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

State Energy Efficiency Programs Improvement Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-440)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-388)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$44.1 million for FY2008

$50 million for FY2009

An additional $3.1 billion appropriated in FY2009 from ARRA

$50 million for FY2010

$50 million for FY2011

$50 million for FY2012

$47.1 million for FY2013

$50 million for FY2014

$50 million for FY2015

$50 million for FY2016

$70 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

SEP provides grants to states to design and carry out their own renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories

Qualified Technologies

Emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies

For More Information

See EERE's State Energy Program website; and program number 81.041 at the CFDA website

19. Tribal Energy Program (TEP)

Administered by

EERE/Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)

Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)

National Appliance Energy Supply Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)

Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$3.96 million for FY2006

$3.96 million for FY2007

$5.95 million for FY2008

$6 million for FY2009

$10 million for FY2010

$7 million for FY2011

$10 million for FY2012

$9.4 million for FY2013

$8.3 million for FY20141

$16 million for FY20152

$16 million for FY2016

$22.9 million requested for FY20173

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic growth, and employment on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The program provides financial assistance, technical assistance, education, and training to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency measures. In FY2015, DOE transferred TEP from the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (WIP) to the new Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE).

Qualified Applicant(s)

Tribal governments

Qualified Technologies

Energy efficient technologies: clothes washers; refrigerators/freezers; water heaters; lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chillers; furnaces; boilers; air conditioners; programmable thermostats; energy management; systems/building controls; caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding; roofs; comprehensive measures/whole building; and other energy efficiency improvements may be eligible. Renewable energy technologies: passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; geothermal heat pumps

For More Information

See EERE's Tribal Energy Program website; and DSIRE's program summary for the Tribal Energy Program

Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs

20. Advanced Research Projects Energy Financial Assistance Program (ARPA-E)

Administered by

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

Authority

America Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69), Section 5012

American COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358)

Annual Funding

$15 million for FY2009

An additional $388.9 million in FY2009 from ARRA

$0 for FY2010

$165.6 million for FY2011

$275 million for FY2012

$250.6 million for FY2013

$280 million for FY2014

$280 million for FY2015

$291 million for FY2016

$350 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

After ARPA-E has been in operation for six years, the Secretary of Energy shall offer to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy shall conduct an evaluation of how well ARPA-E is achieving its goals and mission. The evaluation shall include the recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences on whether ARPA-E should be continued or terminated.

Description

This program will fund organizations that have proposed sophisticated energy technology R&D projects that (1) translate scientific discoveries and cutting-edge inventions into technological innovations and (2) accelerate transformational technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of high technical or financial risk. Transformational energy technologies are those that have the potential to create new paradigms in how energy is produced, transmitted, used, or stored.

Qualified Applicant(s)

ARPA-E welcomes submissions from any type of capable technology research and development entity. This includes, but is not limited to for-profit entities, academic institutions, research foundations, not-for-profit entities, collaborations, and consortia. The lead organization that will enter into the agreement with ARPA-E must be a U.S. entity.

Qualified Technologies

Transformational energy technologies

For More Information

See ARPA-E's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website; and program number 81.135 at the CFDA website

21. Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Research, Development and Analysis Grant Program (Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability -- OE)

Administered by

Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE)

Authority

Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91)

Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)

National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-697)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$82.8 million for FY2008

$83.1 million for FY2009

An additional $4.5 billion was appropriated to the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability in FY2009 from ARRA. Approximately $4 billion of that total was used to implement smart grid programs authorized by EISA and accelerate the deployment of smart grid technologies across the transmission and distributions.4

$121.4 million for FY2010

$138.2 million for FY2011

$136.2 million for FY2012

$129.2 million for FY2013

$144.2 million for FY2014

$144.2 million for FY2015

$206 million for FY2016

$262.3 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This grant program aims to develop cost-effective technology that enhances the reliability, efficiency, and resiliency of the electric grid.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; private nonprofit organizations; research organizations

Qualified Technologies

Specific technologies not listed

For More Information

See program number 81.122 at the CFDA website

22. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)

Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1976 (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)

Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)

National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)

Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)

Annual Funding

$19 million for FY2006

$19.5 million for FY2007

$19.8 million for FY2008

$22 million for FY2009

An additional $22.4 million in FY2009 from ARRA

$32 million for FY2010

$30.4 million for FY2011

$29.9 million for FY2012

$28.3 million for FY2013

$28.2 million for FY2014

$27 million for FY2015

$27 million for FY2016

$43 million requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

FEMP assists federal agencies in developing and implementing energy efficient and renewable energy resources to meet energy management regulations and goals.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federal agencies

Qualified Technologies

Energy efficient technologies; solar; wind; incremental hydro; ocean; biomass; geothermal

For More Information

See EERE's Federal Energy Management Program website

23. Financial Assistance Program (Office of Science)

Administered by

Office of Science

Authority

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-703), Section 31

Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438), Title I, Section 107

Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$974 million for FY2008

$1.4 billion for FY2009

$1.3 billion for FY2010

$1.3 billion for FY2011

$1 billion for FY2012

$965.1 million for FY2013

$1.1 billion for FY2014

$1.1 billion for FY2015

$1.1 billion for FY2016

FY2017 budget request data is unavailable; the FY2017 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial support for fundamental research in the basic sciences and advanced technology concepts and assessments in fields related to energy.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; profit commercial organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations; small businesses

Qualified Technologies

Specific advanced technologies not listed

For More Information

See program number 81.049 at the CFDA website; and the Office of Science's Funding Opportunities website

24. Loan Guarantee Program (Office of the Chief Financial Officer)

Administered by

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Authority

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title XVII

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8)

Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10)

Annual Funding

Section 1703 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (permanent)

$4.5 million for FY2008

$0 for FY2009

$0 for FY2010

$169.6 million for FY2011

$0 for FY2012

$0 for FY2013

$7.9 million for FY20145

$17 million for FY20156

$17 million for FY20167

$10 million requested for FY20178

Section 1705 Temporary Loan Guarantee Program

$0 for FY2008

$6 billion was appropriated for FY2009. However, $2 billion of that funding was transferred to the "cash for clunkers" automobile trade-in program by P.L. 111-47.9 An additional $1.5 billion was rescinded for the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, P.L. 111-226 (Section 308), leaving a total of $2.5 billion remaining from the FY2009 appropriations.

$0 for FY2010-FY2016

$0 requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None for the permanent (Section 1703) loan guarantee program. Projects authorized by the temporary loan guarantee (Section 1705) had to begin construction no later than September 30, 2011. LPO continues to administer and monitor loan guarantees for Section 1705 projects.

Description

This program provides federal loan guarantees to encourage early commercial use in the United States of new or significantly improved technologies in energy projects that (1) avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases; and (2) employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued. Temporary loan guarantees were also made under Section 1705 for rapid deployment of certain renewable and electric transmission projects up through September 30, 2011.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; and public nonprofit organizations. No federal entity may apply

Qualified Technologies

Solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; wind; hydroelectric; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric; fuel cells; manufacturing facilities; daylighting; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal; biodiesel

For More Information

See program number 81.126 at the CFDA website; DSIRE's program summary for the Loan Guarantee Program; and DOE's Loan Guarantee Program website

25. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219)

Small Business Research and Development Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564)

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (P.L. 106-554), Title I (Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000)

Small Business Technology Transfer Program Reauthorization Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-50)

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-81, Div. E, Title L)

Annual Funding10

$24.2 million for FY2011

$29.1 million for FY2012

$26.4 million for FY2013 (SBIR: $23.4 million; STTR: $3 million)

$30.8 million for FY2014 (SBIR: $27.4 million; STTR: $3.4 million)

$28.4 million for FY2015 (SBIR: $25.1 million; STTR: $3.3 million)

$30.2 million projected for FY2016 (SBIR: $26.3 million; STTR: $3.9 million)

$53.4 million requested for FY2017 (SBIR: $46.8 million; STTR: $6.6 million)

Scheduled Termination

The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-81, Div. E, Title L) reauthorized the program through FY2017.

Description

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers (STTR) are U.S. government programs in which federal agencies with large research and development (R&D) budgets set aside a small fraction of their funding for competitions among small businesses only. DOE's SBIR-STTR program is designed to stimulate technological innovation by small advanced technology firms and provide new, cost-effective scientific and engineering solutions to challenging problems. EERE funds appropriated for SBIR/STTR are allocated to larger EERE technology programs, detailed earlier in this report, including Biomass, Geothermal, Hydrogen & Fuel Cell, Solar Energy, Water Power, Wind Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Building Technologies, and Vehicle Technologies.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Small businesses

Qualified Technologies

Research areas include energy production (fossil, nuclear, renewable, and fusion energy); energy use (in buildings, vehicles, and industry); fundamental energy sciences (materials, life, environmental, and computational sciences, and nuclear and high energy physics); environmental management; and nuclear nonproliferation

For More Information

See EERE's Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfers (SBIR/STTR) website; and program number 10.212 (SBIR) at the CFDA website

II. U.S Department of the Treasury

Please note that tax credits for biofuels and vehicles are covered in detail another CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.

Homeowner

1. Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion(Corporate and Personal)

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 136

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-188)

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities, either directly or indirectly, are nontaxable: "Gross income shall not include the value of any subsidy provided (directly or indirectly) by a public utility to a customer for the purchase or installation of any energy conservation measure."

Qualified Applicant(s)

Residential; multi-family residential

Qualified Technologies

Technologies installed to reduce electricity or natural gas consumption or improve the management of energy demand in a dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; and other energy efficiency technologies not identified.

For More Information

See the IRS Publication 525 (2015), Taxable and Nontaxable Income

2. Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 25C

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EIA; P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)

Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2016

Description

A 10% credit for energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment. Efficiency improvements or equipment must have served a dwelling in the United States that is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary residence. The maximum lifetime amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 total.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Residential

Qualified Technologies

Water heaters; furnace; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; building insulation; windows; doors; roofs; circulating fans used in a qualifying furnace; biomass and stoves that use qualified biomass fuel

For More Information

See the Internal Revenue Service website, Form 5695 & Instructions: Residential Energy Credits; and CRS Report R42089, Residential Energy Tax Credits: Overview and Analysis, by Margot L. Crandall-Hollick and Molly F. Sherlock.

3. Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 25D

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2021 for solar technologies;

December 31, 2016, for all other renewable technologies

Description

A taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer. The 30% credit for solar energy systems remains in place through December 31, 2019, but is gradually reduced over the tax credit's final two years: 26% for 2020 and 22% for 2021.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Residential

Qualified Technologies

Solar water heat; photovoltaics; wind; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; other solar electric technologies

For More Information

See IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits; IRS Form 5695 Instructions; and CRS Report R42089, Residential Energy Tax Credits: Overview and Analysis, by Margot L. Crandall-Hollick and Molly F. Sherlock.

Business and Industry

4. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C § 48

Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-678)

Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-223)

Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86; P.L. 99-514)

Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-647)

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-239)

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-508)

Tax Extension Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-227)

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EISA; P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2016 for hybrid solar lighting, fuel cells, small wind systems, combined heat and power (CHP), microturbines, and geothermal heat pump systems;

December 31, 2019 for large wind energy systems;

No expiration date for geothermal electric and solar energy systems.

Description

Credit is 30% for solar lighting, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems; 30% for large wind systems for 2016, gradually reducing each year to 12% in 2019; 30% for solar energy systems through December 31, 2019, gradually reducing each year to 10% in 2022 for all future years; 10% for geothermal, microturbines, and CHP; Technologies eligible for the Production Tax Credit (PTC) are eligible to opt for the ITC in lieu of the PTC if construction commenced prior to January 1, 2017. As of January 1, 2017, only wind energy systems are eligible to claim the ITC in lieu of the PTC.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial; industrial; utilities; agricultural

Qualified Technologies

Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; wind; biomass; geothermal electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; CHP/Cogeneration; solar hybrid lighting; direct-use geothermal; microturbines

For More Information

See IRS Form 3468 (Investment Credit); and CRS In Focus product CRS In Focus IF10479, The Energy Credit: An Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy, by Molly F. Sherlock

5. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 179D

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)

Tax Increase Prevention Act (P.L. 113-295)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2016

Description

A tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot is available to owners of new or existing buildings who install (1) interior lighting, (2) building envelope, or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the building's total energy and power cost by 50% or more in comparison to a building meeting minimum requirements originally set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 and updated by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-113, Division Q, § 190). Energy savings must be calculated using qualified computer software approved by the IRS.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial; builder/developer; state government; federal government (deductions associated with government buildings are transferred to the designer)

Qualified Technologies

Equipment insulation; water heaters; lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chillers; furnaces; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding; roofs; comprehensive measures/whole building

For More Information

See the Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition FAQ webpage; IRS Notice 2006-52 (original interim guidance); IRS Notice 2008-40 (clarification of rules set in Notice 2006-52); and Energy Savings Modeling and Inspection Guidelines for Commercial Building Federal Tax Deductions (2007) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

6. Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 45L

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-172)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIA; P.L. 110-343)

Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-312)

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)

Tax Increase Prevention Act (P.L. 113-295)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2016

Description

This program provided tax credits of up to $2,000 for builders of all new energy-efficient homes, including manufactured homes constructed in accordance with the Federal Manufactured Homes Construction and Safety Standards.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Builder/developer

Qualified Technologies

Comprehensive measures/whole building

For More Information

See IRS Form 8908 (Energy Efficient Home Credit)

7. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authorizing Statute(s)

26 U.S.C. § 45

Internal Revenue Code

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170)

Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act (P.L. 107-147)

Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-311)

American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-357)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)

Tax Increase Prevention Act (P.L. 113-295)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2019 for wind energy facilities;

December 31, 2016 for all other technologies

Description

The federal renewable electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) is a per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated by qualified energy resources and sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable year. The duration of the credit is 10 years after the date the facility is placed in service for all facilities placed in service after August 8, 2005; unused credits may be carried forward for up to 20 years following the year they were generated or carried back one year if the taxpayer files an amended return.

P.L. 114-113 extended the expiration date for this tax credit to December 31, 2019, for wind facilities commencing construction, with a phase-down beginning for wind projects commencing construction after December 31, 2016. The act also extended the tax credit for other eligible renewable energy technologies commencing construction through December 31, 2016.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial; industrial

Qualified Technologies

Landfill gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; municipal solid waste; hydrokinetic power (i.e., flowing water); anaerobic digestion; small hydroelectric; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal

For More Information

See IRS Notice 2016-31; CRS Report R43453, The Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit: In Brief, by Molly F. Sherlock

State, Local, and Tribal Governments

8. Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 54A

26 U.S.C. § 54D

26 U.S.C. § 6431

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Scheduled Termination

All funds have been allocated to the states. No new federal funding is available. There may be funding available in certain states.

Description

QECBs may be used by state, local, and tribal governments to finance certain types of energy projects. QECBs, as tax credit bonds, provide federally subsidized financing to all issuers. The original limit on the volume of energy conservation tax credit bonds to be issued by state and local governments was $800 million. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the allowable bond volume to $3.2 billion.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments

Qualified Technologies

Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; municipal solid waste; hydrokinetic power; anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal

For More Information

IRS Notice 2009-29; IRS Notice 2010-35; IRS Announcement 2010-54; and CRS Report R41573, Tax-Favored Financing for Renewable Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency, by Molly F. Sherlock and Steven Maguire

Cross-Cutting

9. Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 168

26 U.S.C. § 48

Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514)

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)

Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Under MACRS, businesses may recover investments in certain property through depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types of property, ranging from 3 to 50 years, over which the property may be depreciated. A number of renewable energy technologies are classified as five-year property (26 U.S.C. 168(e)(3)(B)(vi)) under MACRS.

P.L. 114-113, signed in December 2015, extended the "placed in service" deadline for bonus depreciation. Equipment placed in service before January 1, 2018, can qualify for 50% bonus depreciation; during 2018, for 40% and during 2019, for 30%.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial; industrial

Qualified Technologies

Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; municipal solid waste; CHP/cogeneration; solar hybrid lighting; direct use geothermal; anaerobic digestion; microturbines

For More Information

See IRS Publication 946, IRS Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization, and Instructions for Form 4562

III. Department of Agriculture

1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Program

Administered by

Rural Development

Authority

Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (P.L. 74-605)

Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-472)

Annual Funding

$34.8 million for FY2005

$27.8 million for FY2006

$27.8 million for FY2007

$21.3 million for FY2008

$17.5 million for FY2009

$17.5 million for FY2010

$12.0 million for FY2011

$9.5 million for FY2012

$9.2 million for FY2013

$10 million for FY2014

$10 million for FY2015

$10 million for FY2016

No funds proposed for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides financial assistance to rural communities with extremely high energy costs (exceeding 275% of the national average).

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments (including U.S. territories); for-profit businesses; non-profit businesses; cooperatives; individuals

Qualified Technologies

Not specifically identified

For More Information

See CFDA program number 10.859 and the USDA program website.

2. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

Administered by

Rural Development

Authority

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234), Title IX, Section 9005

Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79)

Annual Funding

Mandatory: The 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) authorized mandatory funding of $15 million annually for FY2014-FY2018 to remain available until expended. Congress then lowered funding authority for FY2014 by $8 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-76). The 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) authorized mandatory CCC11 funding of $55 million for FY2009; $55 million for FY2010; $85 million for FY2011; and $105 million for FY2012 to remain available until expended. P.L. 112-55 limited mandatory spending to $65 million for FY2012. With the expiration of mandatory funding, the program effectively ceased to operate after FY2012. It subsequently was reauthorized in the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79).

Discretionary: Discretionary funding of $20 million annually for FY2014-FY2018 was authorized to be appropriated under the 2014 farm bill, whereas under the 2008 farm bill $25 million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2009-FY2013.

However, no discretionary funding has been appropriated for the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels through FY2016.

Scheduled Termination

Mandatory funding authorized through FY2018.

Description

To support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels by providing payments to eligible advanced biofuel producers.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Eligible advanced biofuels producers

Qualified Technologies

Payments will be made to eligible advanced biofuel producers for the production of fuel derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch, to include biofuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin; biofuel derived from sugar and starch (other than ethanol derived from corn kernel starch); biofuel derived from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal waste, food waste, and yard waste; diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable biomass, including vegetable oil and animal fat; biogas (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; butanol or other alcohols produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and other fuel derived from cellulosic biomass

For More Information

See program number 10.867 on the CFDA website; USDA program website; and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy.

3. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

Administered by

Farm Services Agency (FSA)

Authority

Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA; P.L. 107-171, Title IX)

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, Title IX, Section 9001) created new Section 9011 under FSIRA

Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, Section 9010)

Annual Funding

  • Mandatory: The 2014 farm bill authorized mandatory funding of $25 million annually from FY2014 through FY2018. For FY2015 and FY2016, the Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act (P.L. 113-235) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113), respectively limited funding to $23 million and $3 million. Under the 2008 farm bill, P.L. 110-246, Congress provided a mandatory funding authorization of "such sums as necessary" (SSAN) for FY2009-FY2012. The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-212) limited mandatory spending on BCAP by allowing no more than $552 million in FY2010 and $432 million in FY2011. The Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10), further reduced BCAP funding for FY2011 to $112 million. The agriculture appropriations act for FY2012 (P.L. 112-55), limited BCAP mandatory spending to $17 million. No new mandatory funding was included for BCAP under ATRA.

  • Discretionary: Under ATRA discretionary funding of $20 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013, but Congress appropriated no discretionary funds. No other discretionary funding has been authorized.

  • For more on these changes in mandatory program spending, see CRS Report R41245, Reductions in Mandatory Agriculture Program Spending, by Jim Monke and Megan Stubbs. For more information on the 2010 supplemental, see CRS Report R41255, FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations for Agriculture, by Jim Monke.

 

Scheduled Termination

Funding authorized through FY2018

Description

BCAP provides assistance to support the production of eligible biomass crops on land within approved BCAP project areas. In exchange for growing eligible crops, the FSA will provide annual payments through 5- to 15-year contracts. Under these contracts up to 50% of establishment costs may also be provided. FSA will also provide matching payments to eligible material owners at a rate of $1 for each $1 per dry ton paid by a qualified biomass conversion facility. Matching payments may not exceed $20 per ton and are limited to no more than two years per participant.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Eligible biomass material owners and eligible biomass producers

Qualified Technologies

Eligible material for a matching payment is renewable biomass, as defined by the 2008 farm bill, with several important exclusions including harvested grains, fiber, or other commodities eligible to receive payments under the Commodity Title (Title I) of the 2008 farm bill (the residues of these commodities, however, are eligible and may qualify for payment). Also excluded are: animal waste and animal waste by-products including fats, oils, greases, and manure; food waste and yard waste; and algae and bagasse. Eligible crops include renewable biomass, with the exception of crops eligible to receive a payment under Title I of the 2008 farm bill and plants that are invasive or noxious, or have the potential to become invasive or noxious. Algae is an eligible crop, but not an eligible material; thus, algae may qualify for annual and/or establishment payments but not matching payments.

For More Information

See the USDA BCAP website; CRS Report R41296, Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status and Issues, by Mark A. McMinimy; and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy.

4. Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. (formerly the Biorefinery Assistance Program)

Administered by

Rural Development

Authority

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, Title IX, Section 9003) created the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, Title IX, Section 9003) amended and renamed the program as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program

Annual Funding

  • Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $100 million in FY2014 and $50 million each for FY2015 and FY2016 (to remain available until expended) was authorized for loan guarantees. Thus, there is no new baseline funding after FY2016. Funding for grants is eliminated. Also, P.L. 113-79 directed USDA to ensure diversity in types of projects approved, and capped the funds used for loan guarantees to promote biobased product manufacturing at 15% of the total available mandatory funds. Congress rescinded $40.7 million of funds available to the program for FY2014 under the Agricultural Appropriations Act for 2014, (P.L. 113-76). For FY2015 and FY2106, Congress limited funding, respectively, to $30 million and $27 million under the Consolidated Appropriations Acts for 2015 (P.L. 113-235) and 2016 (P.L. 114-113).

  • Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory funding amounted to $75 million for FY2009; $245 million for FY2010; and $0 for FY2011 and FY2012. Any mandatory funding unspent from the FY2010 allocation of $245 million was to be available for use in FY2013.

  • Discretionary: Funds of $75 million annually are authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. For FY2009-2013, $150 million was authorized to be appropriated annually. No discretionary funding has been appropriated for BAP through FY2015.

 

Scheduled Termination

Funding authorized through FY2016

Description

The purpose is to assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the development of advanced biofuels, so as to increase the energy independence of the United States; promote resource conservation, public health, and the environment; diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products and agriculture waste material; and create jobs and enhance the economic development of the rural economy. Loan guarantees are made to fund the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries using eligible technology. The maximum loan guarantee is $250 million.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Individuals, tribal entities, state government entities, local government entities, corporations, farm cooperatives, farmer cooperative organizations, associations of agricultural producers, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, rural electric cooperatives, public power entities, and consortia of any of the previous entities

Qualified Technologies

Technologies being adopted in a viable commercial-scale operation of a biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuel; and technologies that have been demonstrated to have technical and economic potential for commercial application in a biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuel

For More Information

See the USDA program website; CFDA program number 10.865; and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy.

5. Community Wood Energy Program

Administered by

Forest Service

Authority

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, Title IX, Section 9013) Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79. Title IX, Section 9012)

Annual Funding

  • Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.

  • Discretionary: Discretionary funding of $5 million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018 under the 2014 farm bill. For FY2009-FY2013, Congress also authorized to be appropriated $5 million annually. The Forest Service was awarded $49 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5) for wood-to-energy projects, and the appropriations committee reports in FY2010 and FY2011 directed the use of $5 million in hazardous fuels funds for biomass energy projects. Under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-240), discretionary funding of $15 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013, but the program did not receive an appropriation.

 

Scheduled Termination

Funding authorized through FY2018

Description

Grants awarded for systems smaller than 5 million Btu per hour for heating (or 2 megawatts) for electric power production as directed by statute. At least a 50% match is required from non-federal funds for grants. Grant awards are limited to $50,000 by statute. The 2014 Farm Bill extended the program through FY2018 and defines a Biomass Consumer Cooperative and authorizes grants of up to $50,000 to be made to establish or expand biomass consumer cooperatives that will provide consumers with services or discounts relating to the purchase of biomass heating systems or products (including their delivery and storage). The law also requires that any biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant must match at least the equivalent of 50% of the funds toward the establishment or expansion of a biomass consumer cooperative.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and local governments

Qualified Technologies

Biomass

For More Information

See CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy.

6. New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program

Administered by

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Authority

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-113)

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246)

Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79)

Annual Funding

This program has not been funded since FY2011. The program received $875,000 for FY2010; and an estimated $875,000 for FY2011. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 112-55, did not provide funding for the New Era

Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program (RTP) in FY2012.

Scheduled Termination

Authorized through FY2013; This program has not been funded since FY2011. However, the award(s) have not yet reached Statutory Time Limit. Hence, NIFA does not wish to archive this CFDA Program.

Description

This program provides grant funding for approved technology development, applied research, and training to develop an agriculture-based renewable energy workforce. The initiative supports bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, and agriculture-based renewable energy resources.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Public or private nonprofit community colleges; advanced technology centers

Qualified Technologies

Biomass; bioenergy

For More Information

See the CFDA website, program number 10.314, and the USDA website

7. Repowering Assistance Program (RAP)

Administered by

Rural Development

Authority

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246; Title IX, Section 9004)

Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, Title IX, Section 9004)

Annual Funding

  • Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory funding of $12 million for FY2014 was authorized, to remain available until expended (i.e., no new baseline funding after FY2014). For FY2015, Congress reduced available funds by $8 million through the FY2015 agricultural appropriations act, P.L. 113-235. Under the agricultural appropriations act for FY2013 (P.L. 113-6), Congress directed that funds available for this program be reduced by $28 million. Under the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) mandatory funding of $35 million for FY2009, was authorized to remain available until expended.

  • Discretionary: The 2014 farm bill authorized discretionary funding of $10 million annually to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. Discretionary funding of $15 million annually for FY2009-FY2013 was authorized to be appropriated under the 2008 farm bill and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240, § 701) extension; of this amount, $15 million was appropriated in FY2010 through FY2013.

 

Scheduled Termination

Authorized through FY2018

Description

The Repowering Assistance Program (RAP) makes payments to eligible biorefineries (those in existence on the date of enactment of the 2008 farm bill, June 18, 2008) to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels used to provide heat for processing or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries. Not more than 5% of the funds shall be made available to eligible producers with a refining capacity exceeding 150 million gallons of advanced biofuel per year.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Eligible biorefinery. The biorefinery must have been in existence on or before June 18, 2008.

Qualified Technologies

Renewable biomass

For More Information

See program number 10.866 on the CFDA website, the USDA program website; and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy.

8. Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants and Loans

Administered by

Rural Development

Authority

Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, Title IX, Section 9007)

Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79. Title IX, Section 9007)

Annual Funding

  • Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory funds of $50 million are authorized for FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter (Thus REAP's mandatory funding authority does not expire with the 2014 farm bill.). Mandatory funds are to remain available until expended. Under the 2008 farm bill, Congress authorized mandatory funds of $55 million in FY2009, $60 million in FY2010, and $70 million each in FY2011 and FY2012. The FY2012 Agricultural Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-55) limited REAP mandatory spending to $22 million.

  • Discretionary: Under the 2014 farm bill, discretionary funding of $20 million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. Under the 2008 farm bill, $25 million was authorized to be appropriated annually for FY2009-FY2013. Actual discretionary appropriations have been $5 million in FY2009, $39.3 million in FY2010, $5 million in FY2011, $3.4 million in FY2012 and in FY2013; $3.5 million in FY2014; and $1.35 million in FY2015.

 

Scheduled Termination

Authorized through FY2018

Description

REAP promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the use of (1) grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency improvements (EEI) and renewable energy systems (RES), and (2) grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. The 2014 farm bill added new funding and a three-tiered application process with separate application processes for grants and loan guarantees for RES and EEI projects based on the project cost. It also excluded the use of REAP funds for installing retail energy dispensing equipment, such as blender pumps.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial; schools; state, local, and tribal governments; rural electric cooperatives; agricultural; public power entities

Qualified Technologies

Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric; geothermal heat pumps; CHP/cogeneration; hydrogen; direct-use geothermal; anaerobic digestion; small hydroelectric; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal; renewable fuels; fuel cells using renewable fuels; microturbines. Specific energy efficiency technologies not identified.

For More Information

See the program website and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Status and Funding, by Mark A. McMinimy,

9. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)

Administered by

National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; and other appropriate agencies

Authority

Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624)

Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act Amendments of 1991 (P.L. 102-237)

Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127)

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246)

Annual Funding

$12.5 million for FY2006

$12.4 million for FY2007

$9.1 million for FY2008

$14.5 million for FY2009

$14.5 million for FY2010

$19.2 million for FY2011

$13.5 for FY2012

$19.3 million for FY2013 (est.)

$22.7 million FY2014 (est.)

$21.3 million FY2015 (est.)

$23.1 million for FY2016 (est.)

No data currently available for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

The purpose of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) is, in part, to encourage research designed to increase our knowledge concerning agricultural production systems that conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat. SARE provides grants through the agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative for projects with the purpose of enhancing the production of biomass energy crops and the energy efficiency of agricultural operations.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federal and state governments; colleges and universities; state agricultural experiment stations; state cooperative extension services; nonprofit organizations; individuals with demonstrable expertise

Qualified Technologies

Biomass; biofuels; other technologies not identified.

For More Information

See CFDA program website, program number 10.215

CRS Report R41985, Renewable Energy Programs and the Farm Bill: Status and Issues, by Randy Schnepf.

IV. Department of the Interior

1. Energy and Mineral Development Program: Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands

Administered by

Bureau of Indian Affairs. Energy and Mineral Development Program

Authority

Snyder Act of 1921 (P.L. 67-85), 25 U.S.C. 13

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638),25 U.S.C. 450

Indian Mineral Development Act (P.L. 97-382), 25 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.

Umatilla Basin Project Act (P.L. 100-557), 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.

Annual Funding

$12.972 million for FY2010

$12.87 million for FY2011

$12.7 million for FY2012

$12 million for FY2013

$14.9 million for FY2014

$14.9 million for FY2015

$14.9 million for FY2016

$14.9 requested for FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Funding may be used to facilitate the inventory, assessment, promotion, and marketing of both renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources on Indian lands. Funds are awarded competitively to support assessment and inventory programs or to develop baseline data, but cannot be used for development purposes.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Federally recognized Indian tribes; individual American Indian mineral owners

Qualified Technologies

Renewable energy technologies

For More Information

See program number 15.038 at the CFDA website

2. Tribal Energy Development Capacity Grant Program

Administered by

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Authority

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)

Tribal Energy Resource Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005 (Title V of Energy Policy Act of 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Annual Funding

$375,000 for FY2007

$1 million for FY2008

no estimate available for FY2009

$138,839 for FY2010

$250,000 for FY2011

$0 for FY2012

$400,000 for FY2013 (est.)

$700,000 for FY2014

$0 requested for FY2015

No data currently available for FY2016 of FY2017

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides grants to Indian tribes to: (1) develop and sustain the managerial and technical capacity needed to develop their energy resources; and (2) properly account for resulting energy production and revenues.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Tribal governments

Qualified Technologies

Renewable energy technologies

For More Information

See program number 15.148 at the CFDA website; or contact IEED, the Division of Indian Energy at (202) 219-0740.

V. Small Business Administration

1. 7(a) Loan Guarantees

Administered by

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Authority

Small Business Act of 1953 (P.L. 83-163)

Annual Funding

7(a) loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA's appropriation for business loan administration ($159.5 million in FY2010, $152.694 million in FY2011, $147.958 million in FY2013, $140.219 million in FY2014, $147.726 million in FY2015, and $147.726 million in FY2016). The SBA reports that it spent $95.090 million in FY2010, $88.000 million in FY2011, $93.640 million in FY 2012, $75.390 million in FY2013, $66.578 million in FY2014, and $63.013 million in FY2015 on 7(a) loan administration. The SBA budgeted $65.989 million for 7(a) loan administration in FY2016. In addition, the 7(a) loan guaranty program was provided $80 million in FY2010, $80 million in FY2011, $139.4 million in FY2012, and $213.8 million in FY2013 (after sequestration) for loan credit subsidies.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

To guarantee loans from lenders to small businesses which are unable to obtain financing on reasonable terms and conditions in the private credit marketplace, but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans if granted, in a timely manner. Guaranteed loans are made available to for-profit small businesses. The SBA's 7(a) lending authority includes (1) regular 7(a); (2) SBAExpress Program; (3) the CapLines Program; (4) Small/Rural Lender Advantage initiative; (5) Export Express Program; (6) Export Working Capital Program; (7) International Trade; and (8) Community Advantage initiatives.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards

Qualified Technologies

Not specifically listed

For More Information

See CRS Report R41146, Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program, by Robert Jay Dilger; the SBA website; and program number 59.012 at the CFDA website

2. 504 Loan Guarantees

Administered by

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Authority

Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (P.L. 85-699)

Annual Funding 504 loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA's appropriation for business loan administration ($159.5 million in FY2010, $152.694 million in FY2011, $147.958 million in FY2013, $140.219 million in FY2014, $147.726 million in FY2015, and $147.726 million in FY2016). The SBA reports that it spent $36.232 million in FY2010, $38.888 million in FY2011, $39.612 million in FY 2012, $40.474 million in FY2013, $39.410 million in FY2014, and $40.018 million in FY2015 on 504 loan administrative costs. The SBA budgeted $41.909 million for 504 loan administration in FY2016. In addition, the 504 loan guaranty program was provided $67.7 million in FY2012, $98.1 million in FY2013 (after sequestration), $107.0 million in FY2014, and $45.0 million in FY2015 for loan subsidy costs.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Provides long-term fixed rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land, buildings, equipment, and machinery. Of the total project costs, a third-party lender must provide at least 50% of the financing; the Certified Development Company provides up to 40% of the financing through a 100% SBA-guaranteed debenture; and the applicant provides at least 10% of the financing. Qualified projects are required to modernize or upgrade facilities by (1) reducing energy use by at least 10%; (2) employing sustainable design, or low-impact design, that reduces fossil fuel use; (3) planning, equipping, and/or installing process upgrades or renewable energy sources -- such as the small-scale (micropower) production of energy for individual buildings or communities consumption; or (4) supporting renewable fuels production by biodiesel and ethanol producers.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards

Qualified Technologies

Fossil fuels; energy efficiency equipment; renewable energy sources (unspecified); renewable fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol

For More Information

See CRS Report R41184, Small Business Administration 504/CDC Loan Guaranty Program, by Robert Jay Dilger; the SBA website; and program number 59.041 at the CFDA website

VI. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

Administered by

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may also offer Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

Authority

EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of legislation passed by Congress worked towards standardizing and expanding the use of EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot Program (P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to become a national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA; P.L. 110-289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA mortgage for energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress also passed some incentives to encourage green home improvements in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5).

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA lending programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also purchase EEMs from primary lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting standards.

Qualified Applicant(s)

The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA's Section 203 (b), provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for this loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military personnel, reservists, and veterans; Conventional: Applicants qualifying for a conventional mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.

Qualified Technologies

Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; daylighting; and other technologies not specifically identified

For More Information

See the HUD, RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network), Energy Star, and DSIRE websites

2. FHA PowerSaver Loan Program

Administered by

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

Authority

No statutory authority. HUD developed the PowerSaver as part of the Recovery Through Retrofit initiative launched in May 2009 by Vice-President Biden's Middle Class Task Force to develop federal actions for expanding green job opportunities in the United States and boosting energy savings by improving home energy efficiency,

Scheduled Termination

PowerSaver began as a nationwide two-year pilot program, launching in 2011. No termination date for this program is listed in online government information sources identified at this time.

Description

PowerSaver offers FHA-backed loans, with three financing options for homeowners to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in their residences: (1) PowerSaver Home Energy Upgrade (up to $7,500) for smaller projects; (2) PowerSaver Second Mortgage (Title I, up to $25,000) for financing larger retrofit projects; and (3) PowerSaver Energy Rehab (203(k)). This 203(k) loan is for home purchase or refinance, targeting either home buyers wishing to combine home improvements with a home purchases or to homeowners wishing to include home improvements when refinancing an existing mortgage. For the 203(k), current loan limits for a single-unit property vary by area from $217,500 to $625,000. For all three PowerSaver products, borrowers must select from a list of approved PowerSaver lenders.

Qualified Applicant(s)

These loans are available to homeowners who meet the following criteria: a minimum credit score of 660 and a maximum total debt to income ratio of 45% (monthly income divided by monthly debt payments). Eligible housing is limited to single unit homes that must be owner-occupied.

Qualified Technologies

Energy efficient improvements, including installation of insulation, duct sealing, replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, home automations systems and controls (e.g., smart thermostats), solar panels, solar thermal hot water systems, small wind power, and geothermal systems.

For More Information

See EERE's factsheet; the Benefits.gov and DSIRE websites; and FHA's approved list of lenders for PowerSaver

VII. Department of Labor

1. Program of Competitive Grants for Worker Training and Placement in High Growth and Emerging Industry Sectors

Administered by

Employment Training Administration Authority American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Title VIII Annual Funding Project Grants:

$0 for FY2008

$750 million for FY2009 (ARRA) which remained available through June 30, 2010

$0 for FY2010-FY2014

FY2015 data is currently unavailable; the FY2015 budget request does not provide details on this program.

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industry sectors.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; private nonprofit institutions/organizations

For More Information

See the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) Training and Employment Notice for this program; and program number 17.275 at the CFDA website

VIII. Department of Health and Human Services

1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Administered by

Administration For Children and Families Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance

Authority

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-35), Title XXVI, § 2602 The Human Services Amendments of 1994 (P.L.103-252), Title III, §§ 302-304(a), 311(c)(1) Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-285), Title III, § 302,

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), Title I, Subtitle B, §§ 121(a))

Annual Funding

$2.16 billion for FY2007

$2.6 billion for FY2008

$5.1 billion for FY2009

$5.1 billion for FY2010

$4.7 billion for FY2011

$3.47 billion for FY2012

$3.29 billion for FY2013

$3.43 billion for FY2014

$3.39 billion for FY2015

$3.39 billion for FY2016

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling their homes. In most states, it also helps people make sure their homes are more energy efficient by paying for certain home improvements, known as weatherization.

Funds are allotted to states, tribes, and territories according to a formula prescribed by the LIHEAP statute. State, tribal, and territorial governments manage the day-to-day details of the program, including the award of assistance to eligible applicants.

The LIHEAP statute limits the amount of funds that each grantee (state, tribe, or territory) may spend on weatherization to 15% of the funds available, or up to 25% with a waiver from HHS. However, in cases of floods or natural disasters, work can be done under the crisis part of the grantee's LIHEAP program, thus bypassing the weatherization limits.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories

Qualified Technologies

Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Typical measures may include installing insulation; sealing ducts; tuning and repairing broken or inefficient heating and cooling systems and if indicated, replacement of the same; mitigating air infiltration; and reducing electric base load consumption.

For More Information

See CRS Report RL31865, LIHEAP: Program and Funding, by Libby Perl; and the LIHEAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website

IX. Department of Veterans Affairs

1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)

Administered by

FHA and VA. Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may also offer EEMs

Authority

EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of legislation passed by Congress worked towards standardizing and expanding the use of EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot Program (P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to become a national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA; P.L. 110-289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA mortgage for energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress also passed some incentives to encourage green home improvements in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5).

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The U.S. federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA lending programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also purchase EEMs from primary lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting standards.

Qualified Applicant(s)

The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA's Section 203 (b), provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for this loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military personnel, reservists, and veterans; Conventional: applicants qualifying for a conventional mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.

Qualified Technologies

Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; daylighting; and other technologies not specifically identified

For More Information

See the HUD, RESNET, Energy Star, and DSIRE websites

X. Fannie Mae

1. Fannie Mae Green Initiative-Loan Program

Administered by

Fannie Mae

Authority

Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-448)

Scheduled Termination

None

Description

This program provides owners of multifamily properties (rental or cooperative properties with five or more units) with three financing options and tools to make energy- and water-saving property improvements:

  • The Green Rewards program provides up to an additional 5% of loan proceeds by including up to 50% of projected energy and water savings in the loan underwriting. Selected property upgrades must be completed within 12 months of loan closing.

  • The Green Preservation Plus program provides additional loan proceeds to Multifamily Affordable Housing (MAH) properties by allowing up to an 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV); lower Debt-Service-Credit-Ratio (DSCR) up to five basis points lower than standard rates; and access to property's equity amount equal to investments in efficiency. Energy- and water-saving improvements must equal at least 5% of the original mortgage loan amount.

  • The Green Building Certification Pricing Break provides the 10-basis-point pricing break to any acquisition or refinance loan on a conventional or affordable property that has a current, eligible Green Building Certification.

 

Qualified Applicant(s)

Only multifamily properties are eligible for the program. (Single family homeowners are not eligible for this program.)

Qualified Technologies

Clothes Washers, Dishwasher, Dehumidifiers, Water Heaters, Lighting, Furnaces, Boilers, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Roofs, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval, Insulation, Tankless Water Heater

For More Information

See the Fannie Mae and DSIRE websites

 

FOOTNOTES

 

 

1 The Tribal Energy Program (TEP) was funded in FY2014 within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy appropriation.

2 In 2015, TEP was transferred to the Office of Indian Energy and funding for FY2015 and FY2016 was provided within the Departmental (DOE) Administrative appropriation.

3 For FY2017, DOE has requested funding for TEP as a separate appropriation from the Departmental Administrative appropriation "to align the budget structure with IE's mission and activities."

4 For more information, see Department of Energy, FY2011 Congressional Budget Request, vol. 3, p. 500, at http://www.cfo.doe.gov/budget/11budget/Content/Volume3.pdf.

5 In FY2014, $42 million was enacted for administrative purposes only, but these expenses were offset by $34.1 million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $7.9 million.

6 In FY2015, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were offset by $25 million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million.

7 In FY2016, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses are expected to be offset by an estimated $25 million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million

8 For FY2017, $37 million is requested for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses are expected to be offset by an estimated $27 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $10 million.

9 For more information, see CRS Report R40669, Energy and Water Development: FY2010 Appropriations, coordinated by Carl E. Behrens.

10 Annual funding listed for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers (STTR) programs only includes those funds distributed to DOE's energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

11 For many of these programs, mandatory funding is provided through the borrowing authority of USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)

 

END OF FOOTNOTES

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Appendix A. Summary of Federal Renewable Energy

 

and Energy Efficiency Incentives/Index of Programs

 

 

[ Editor's Note: For a searchable version of the table,

 

see Doc 2016-24394, p. 43.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Appendix B. Index of Programs

 

by Applicant Eligibility and Technology Type

 

 

Table B-1. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility

 

 

[ Editor's Note: For a searchable version of the table,

 

see Doc 2016-24394, p. 51.]

 

 

 

 

Table B-2. Index of Programs by Technology Type

 

 

[ Editor's Note: For a searchable version of the table,

 

see Doc 2016-24394, p. 52.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Appendix C. Expired Federal Energy Efficiency

 

and Renewable Energy Incentive Programs

 

 

1. Assisted Housing Stability and Energy and Green Retrofit Investments Program (Recovery Act Funded)

Administered by

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Authority

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

(Project Grants)

$0 for FY2009

$235 million for FY2010

$0 for FY2011

All obligations were to be made by September 30, 2010

Scheduled Termination

All obligations were to be made by September 30, 2010. Receiving property owners were required to spend the funds on the specific improvements within two years of receipt.

Description

This program provided funding for energy and green retrofit investments to certain eligible assisted, affordable multifamily properties. Funding included incentives for participating property owners, a set-aside for administrative functions, and a set-aside for due diligence and underwriting support. Assistance was for specific retrofit purposes.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Residential

Qualified Technologies

Specific technologies not identified

For More Information

See program number 14.318 at the CFDA website

2. Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. 54 (old CREBs); 26 U.S.C. 54A (new CREBs)

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

EPACT originally allocated $800 million of tax credit bonds to be issued between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. Following the enactment of the federal Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, the IRS made an additional $400 million in CREBs financing available for 2008 through Notice 2007-26. In November 2006, the IRS announced that the original $800 million allocation had been reserved for a total of 610 projects. The additional $400 million (plus surrendered volume from the previous allocation) was allocated to 312 projects in February 2008. Of the $1.2 billion total of tax-credit bond volume cap allocated to fund renewable-energy projects, state and local government borrowers were limited to $750 million of the volume cap, with the rest reserved for qualified municipal or cooperative electric companies. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (Div. A, Section107) allocated $800 million for new CREBs. In February 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Div. B, Section 1111) allocated an additional $1.6 billion to expand the total new CREBs allocation to $2.4 billion.

Scheduled Termination

The deadline for new CREB applications from electric cooperatives expired November 1, 2010, and bonds for government entities and public power providers were fully allocated in October 2009

Description

CREBs were used to finance renewable energy projects. CREBs were issued, theoretically, with a 0% interest rate. The borrower paid back only the principal of the bond and the bondholder receives federal tax credits in lieu of the traditional bond interest.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; municipal utility; rural electric cooperative

Qualified Technologies

Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; municipal solid waste; hydrokinetic power; anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal

For More Information

See Internal Revenue Service Bulletin 2007-14; and Internal Revenue Service Notice 2009-33.

3. Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (EEARP)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)

Title I, Part B; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$0 for FY2008

$298.5 million in FY2009 from ARRA

$0 for FY2010-FY2013

Scheduled Termination

This program was authorized through FY2010. An act of Congress is required to reauthorize this program.

Description

The program provided financial and technical assistance to states to establish residential Energy Star rated appliance rebate programs. The program's objectives were to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the jurisdictions of eligible entities; and to improve energy efficiency in the residential sector.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State governments, including U.S territories and possessions

Qualified Technologies

Energy efficient appliances

For More Information

See program number 81.127 at the CFDA website.

4. Energy Efficient Appliance Tax Credit for Manufacturers

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. § 45M

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title XIII, Subtitle C, Section 1334(a)

Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343), Division B, Section 305

Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

(P.L. 111-312)

American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)

Scheduled Termination

December 31, 2013

Description

A tax credit for each manufacturer was limited to a total of $25 million for 2011, 2012, and 2013 combined.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Industrial; appliance manufacturers

Qualified Technologies

Clothes washers; dishwashers; refrigerators

For More Information

See the IRS website; IRS form 8909.

5. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program (EECBG)

Administered by

EERE

Authority

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140), Title V, Subtitle E

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)

Annual Funding

$0 for FY2008

$3.2 billion for FY2009 from ARRA

$0 for FY2010-FY2012

Scheduled Termination

This program was authorized through FY2010. An act of Congress is required to reauthorize this program.

Description

This program was part of DOE's Weather and Intergovernmental Program. The EECBG Program provided formula and competitive grants to empower local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change. Grants could be used for energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects community-wide, as well as renewable energy installations on government buildings.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories

Qualified Technologies

Energy efficient equipment and lighting; combined heating and cooling systems; combined heat and power systems; solar; wind; fuel cells; biomass

For More Information

See EERE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program website; and program number 81.128 at the CFDA website.

6. Program of Competitive Grants for Worker Training and Placement in High Growth and Emerging Industry Sectors

Administered by

Employment Training Administration

Authority

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Title VIII

Annual Funding

Project Grants:

$0 for FY2008

$750 million for FY2009 (ARRA) which remained available through June 30, 2010

$0 for FY2010-FY2015

Scheduled Termination

The program had no fixed termination date. It was established and funded by the Recovery Act, but the program has not been funded since 2009. It is no longer listed in the online federal Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Description

This program provided competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industry sectors.

Qualified Applicant(s)

State, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; private nonprofit institutions/organizations

For More Information

See the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) Training and Employment Notice for this program; and program number 17.275 at the CFDA website.

7. Qualifying Advanced Energy Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit

Administered by

Internal Revenue Service

Authority

26 U.S.C. 48C

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Division B, Section 1302

IRS Notice 2013-12 Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit Phase II.

Scheduled Termination

Applications no longer accepted. Phase concept papers were due to DOE by 4/9/2013; final applications were due to DOE on 7/23/2013.

Description

This tax credit was designed to encourage a U.S.-based renewable energy manufacturing sector. Projects receiving awards are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the qualified investment required for an advanced energy project.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial, industrial, manufacturing

Qualified Technologies

Lighting; lighting controls/sensors; energy conservation technologies: smart grid; solar water heat; solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; wind; geothermal electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; batteries and energy storage; advanced transmission technologies that support renewable energy generation; renewable fuels; fuel cells using renewable fuels; microturbines

For More Information

See DOE's webpage for the 48C tax credit; the IRS's 48C webpage; and DSIRE's webpage for the tax credit

8. Renewable Energy Grants (1603 Program)

Administered by

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Authority

Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

(P.L. 111-312), Section 707

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2010 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5) Division B, Sections 1104 and 1603

U.S. Department of Treasury: Grant Program Guidance (amended)

Scheduled Termination

Construction must have begun by December 31, 2011. Applications must have been submitted before October 1, 2012.

Description

The purpose of the 1603 payment was to reimburse eligible applicants for a portion of the cost of installing specified energy property used in a trade or business or for the production of income.

Qualified Applicant(s)

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural

Qualified Technologies

Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; municipal solid waste; CHP/cogeneration; solar hybrid lighting; hydrokinetic; anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal; microturbines

For More Information

See the Treasury's 1603 website; 1603 program guidance; and CRS Report R41635, ARRA Section 1603 Grants in Lieu of Tax Credits for Renewable Energy: Overview, Analysis, and Policy Options, by Phillip Brown and Molly F. Sherlock.

 

* * * * *

 

 

Appendix D. Summary of Expired Federal Renewable Energy

 

and Energy Efficiency Incentives/Index of Programs

 

 

Table D-1. Expired Federal Incentives by Agency

 

 

[ Editor's Note: For a searchable version of the table,

 

see Doc 2016-24394, p. 58.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table D-2. Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit

 

(26 U.S.C. § 30B)

 

 

[ Editor's Note: For a searchable version of the table,

 

see Doc 2016-24394, p. 59.]

 

 

 

 

Author Contact Information

 

Lynn J. Cunningham

 

Senior Research Librarian

 

lcunningham@crs.loc.gov, 7-8971
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