American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act)

Overview

The energy codes community will benefit from financial incentives to improve building energy efficiency that are part of the Obama administration's $787 billion economic stimulus package. Formally called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the measure focuses on stimulating the U.S. economy through both public-sector spending and tax credits, with a heavy focus on infrastructure and energy.

Billions of dollars are allocated per the Recovery Act to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

Where the Energy Codes-Related Funding is Going

State Energy Program = $3.1 billion

States can obtain grants and direct funding that do not require matching state funds.

Comprehensive applications were due May 12, 2009.

See Eligibility Requirements for State Energy Program Funding below for complete details about how to qualify.

Related information about the State Energy Program (SEP) includes:

State Energy Program Strategic Plan. February 2007.
An Evaluation of State Energy Program Accomplishments: 2002 Program Year . June 2005.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant = $3.2 billion

States, local governments, Indian tribes, and U.S. territories can obtain block grants to improve energy efficiency and install renewable energy systems. Activities eligible for use of these funds include Building Codes and Inspections to promote building energy efficiency. Nonprofits and governmental agencies may also use these grants for performing energy efficiency retrofits and developing energy efficiency and conservation strategies. EECBG is part of the Energy Independence Act of 2007.

Visit the Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants page for details, or the EERE News Recovery Act Announcement.

Tax Incentives and More

The Recovery Act also modifies and expands the scope of many energy efficiency and renewable energy tax incentives. (See Tax Incentives and Other Provisions)

How BECP is Helping States Qualify

The Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) is offering support for energy code-related provisions in the Recovery Act, with a major focus on helping states better prepare to meet the compliance requirement.

Learn more about how the Building Energy Codes Program can assist you with your planned activities to achieve 90% compliance.

Development of Procedures to Demonstrate 90% Compliance

BECP is developing State Compliance Evaluation procedures and tools for measuring and reporting compliance with building energy codes in each of the states.

Additional Recovery Act Resources & Information

For more information about the Recovery Act visit the Recovery.gov website.

For details about Recovery Act funding by State visit the Department of Energy's In Your State page.

BECP's Recovery Act newsletter articles: