Homeowner Energy Freedom Act

The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act would repeal three Department of Energy programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Specifically, it would eliminate the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program that provided rebates for electrification projects in lower-income households, the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants that supported workforce development, and the Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption program that helped states adopt updated energy efficiency building codes. The bill would also rescind any unobligated federal funds remaining for these programs, estimated at approximately $300 million.

Proponents argue the bill would reduce costs for homeowners and home builders by eliminating what they characterize as burdensome federal mandates. They contend that building code requirements can significantly increase housing costs, making homeownership less affordable. Opponents counter that eliminating these programs would reduce access to rebates and incentives that help lower-income households make energy-efficient improvements and would slow workforce training in the energy sector.