Energy Bills Relief Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 7977 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7977

To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 18, 2026

Mr. Casten (for himself, Mr. Levin, Ms. Ansari, Ms. Balint, Ms. Barragan, Mr. Bell, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Budzinski, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Case, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Craig, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. DelBene, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Horsford, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Landsman, Mr. Latimer, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Ms. Leger Fernandez, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Mannion, Ms. Matsui, Ms. McBride, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Ms. McClellan, Ms. McCollum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Menefee, Ms. Meng, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Min, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Morrison, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Olszewski, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Rivas, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Scholten, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Sorensen, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stanton, Ms. Stevens, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Torres of New York, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Tran, Ms. Underwood, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Whitesides, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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A BILL

To provide relief from high energy bills, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Bills Relief Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY

Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-Cost, Clean Energy

Sec. 101. Repealing H.R. 1 rollbacks of low-cost, clean energy tax credits. Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean Energy

Sec. 111. Reversing grant terminations for low-cost, clean energy. Sec. 112. Prevention of administrative abuse of Federal permitting of low-cost, clean energy. Sec. 113. Ratepayer protection against uneconomic power generation. TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

Sec. 201. Lowering household heating and cooling bills. Sec. 202. Home weatherization. Sec. 203. Reflective roofing. Sec. 204. Domestic natural gas price protection. Sec. 205. Rural energy savings. TITLE III--UNCLOGGING THE LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY BOTTLENECK

Sec. 301. Expedited generator interconnection. Sec. 302. Advanced transmission technologies. Sec. 303. Electricity transformers. Sec. 304. Streamlining permitting of distributed energy. Sec. 305. Community solar. Sec. 306. Low-cost, clean energy in United States territories. TITLE IV--BUILDING OUT A 21ST CENTURY ELECTRICITY GRID

Subtitle A--Amendments to the Federal Power Act

Sec. 401. Definitions. Sec. 402. Interregional electric transmission planning. Sec. 403. Allocation of costs of electric transmission facilities of national significance. Sec. 404. Minimum interregional transfer capability. Sec. 405. Increased FERC transmission siting authority. Sec. 406. Prohibiting expensive, unjust queue jumping. Subtitle B--Tax and Grants

Sec. 411. Transmission investment tax credit. Sec. 412. Reduced wildfire risks to the grid. Subtitle C--Transmission Governance Reform

Sec. 421. FERC staffing. Sec. 422. FERC fee assessments. Sec. 423. State public utility commission capacity grants. Sec. 424. Independent transmission monitors. Sec. 425. Aggregator bidding into organized wholesale electric markets. Sec. 426. RTO and ISO governance and participation. Sec. 427. Modernized grid data and analytics. TITLE V--DEPLOYING LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLY ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS

Subtitle A--Public Land Renewable Energy Development

Sec. 501. Public land renewable energy development. Sec. 502. Geothermal cost recovery. Sec. 503. Geothermal Gold Book development. Subtitle B--Offshore Renewable Deployment

Sec. 511. Responsible development of offshore renewable energy. Sec. 512. Compensation for offshore renewable energy projects. Sec. 513. Interoperability of offshore electric transmission infrastructure. TITLE VI--PROTECTING CONSUMERS IN ELECTRICITY REGULATION

Sec. 601. Utility earnings tied to ratepayer benefits. Sec. 602. Consumer protection from energy market manipulation. Sec. 603. Avoiding cost shifts onto families. Sec. 604. True costs and value of energy for economic and public benefit. Sec. 605. Grid performance disclosure. TITLE VII--COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT

Sec. 701. Federal permitting capacity. Sec. 702. Interagency environmental data system. Sec. 703. Timely public release of NEPA documentation. Sec. 704. Community benefits agreements. Sec. 705. Intervenor funding at FERC Office of Public Participation. Sec. 706. Senior community engagement officers and Tribal community engagement officers. Sec. 707. Capacity grants for permitting and community engagement.

TITLE I--REVERSING ATTACKS ON LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY

Subtitle A--Restoring Tax Credits for Low-cost, Clean Energy

SEC. 101. REPEALING H.R. 1 ROLLBACKS OF LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY TAX CREDITS.

(a) Repeal.--Subchapter A of chapter 5 of subtitle A of title VII of Public Law 119-21 is hereby repealed. (b) Amendments.--Each provision of law amended by such subchapter is amended to read as such provision would read if such subchapter had never been enacted. (c) Effects.--Each amendment made by subsection (b) shall take effect as if included in the provision of such subchapter to which such amendment relates.

Subtitle B--Stopping Administration Overreach Against Low-Cost, Clean Energy

SEC. 111. REVERSING GRANT TERMINATIONS FOR LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.

(a) The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Transportation may not terminate a Federal award in part or its entirety, require a renegotiation or rescoping of the Federal award, or decide not to fund a future budget period of a Federal award on the basis that the Federal award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations. (b) Any Federal award that was terminated, renegotiated, rescoped, or not progressed to future budget periods by the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of Transportation after January 19, 2025, for no longer effectuating the program goals or agency priorities, including pursuant to section 200.340(a)(4) of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be reinstated by such agency or entity under its previous terms and conditions.

SEC. 112. PREVENTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ABUSE OF FEDERAL PERMITTING OF LOW-COST, CLEAN ENERGY.

(a) Requirement for Parity.--The Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall ensure, via subsection (b), that the processing of applications, authorizations, or related approvals as well as denials and the activities referenced in subsection (g) for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters is not subject to more restrictive or burdensome procedural requirements than those applied to applications for oil, gas, or coal projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters and does not bias Federal decision making in favor of oil, gas, or coal projects, including-- (1) requirements for elevated or discretionary review by the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, other political appointees, or career employees; (2) additional documentation or review not required for oil, gas, or coal projects; (3) withholding, delaying, or reversing decisions by local or regional entities for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects for reasons not applied to oil, gas or coal projects; and (4) denial of routine administrative approvals, such as testing permits or cost recovery agreements, or notices to proceed once all criteria have been met for approval, based on underlying technology. (b) Policy Review.-- (1) Review.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with all applicable Federal agencies, shall-- (A) review all applicable regulations, guidance documents, policy manuals, departmental directives, Secretarial orders, and other procedures regarding energy development; and (B) identify any provision of such regulations, documents, manuals, directives, orders, and procedures not otherwise required in statute that do not comply with the requirements in subsection (a). (2) Rescission.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the applicable Secretary or Administrator shall rescind or amend as necessary any provision identified under subsection (a). (c) Accountability in Permitting.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on actions taken by all applicable Federal agencies related to permitting for energy projects, which shall include-- (1) an analysis of the procedures used by all applicable Federal agencies for processing applications, authorizations, or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters and how those procedures compare to those used for oil, gas, or coal projects; (2) an analysis of the number of days applicable Federal agencies took during the previous calendar year to process applications, authorizations or approvals for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects on Federal and non-Federal land and waters compared to the number of days to process applications, authorizations or approvals for oil, gas, or coal projects; and (3) an assessment of whether applicable Federal agencies treated wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission projects the same as oil, gas, or coal projects during the previous calendar year. (d) Ensuring Energy Security.-- (1) Limitation on issuance of certain approvals.--Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act-- (A) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a permit to extract coal or to drill on an onshore oil or gas lease on Federal land unless an approval for onshore wind or solar development has been issued during the 120-day period ending on the date of the issuance of the approval for oil or gas development; and (B) the Secretary of the Interior may not approve a permit to drill on an offshore oil or gas lease on the Outer Continental Shelf under section 2(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a)) unless an approval for offshore wind development on the Outer Continental Shelf of similar scope has been issued during the 120-day period ending on the date of the issuance of the approval for oil or gas development. (2) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to approve applications for a permit to drill for onshore or offshore oil or gas development or a permit to extract coal. (e) Timely Federal Review.-- (1) Deadlines to complete environmental reviews under nepa.--With respect to any proposed wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Secretary shall complete such environmental impact statement or environmental assessment within the deadlines established under section 107(g) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)). (2) Deadline for determination of right-of-way.--Not later than 180 days after completion of the environmental impact statement or environmental assessment, as applicable, for wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission development on Federal land or waters, including the Outer Continental Shelf, the Secretary shall issue a right-of-way, except in the event that a no action alternative is selected. (f) Judicial Review.-- (1) Reviewability.-- (A) In general.--If a Federal agency suspends construction or operations of a wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission project, or otherwise prevents a wind, solar, storage, or related electric transmission project from commencing and completing construction, operation, or related ancillary activities, including by revoking, rescinding, withdrawing, terminating, suspending, amending, altering, or otherwise rendering ineffective any authorization for a project or the final environmental document the authorization relies on, shall be considered final agency action subject to judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code. (B) Venue.--A person seeking judicial review for an action described in subparagraph (A) shall obtain review of such action in the United States Court of Appeals for any circuit wherein the project is located. (2) Timing.--For any claim brought regarding an action in paragraph (A), the court of competent jurisdiction shall issue a decision for such challenge-- (A) as expeditiously as practicable; and (B) not later than the date that is 30 days after the date on which the civil action is filed, unless the court determines that additional time is required in the interests of justice. (3) Applicability.--This section shall apply to any actions in paragraph (1) that occurred after January 19, 2025. (g) Ensuring Fairness on Federal Lands and Waters.-- (1) FLPMA amendments.--The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 is amended-- (A) in section 103(c) (43 U.S.C. 1702(c)), by striking ``historical values;'' and inserting ``historical values, including the generation, transmission, and storage of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy;''; and (B) in section 302 (43 U.S.C. 1732), by inserting at the end ``(e) The Secretary shall manage the public lands to facilitate the generation, transmission, and storage of renewable energy resources, consistent with the principles of multiple use and sustained yield under this Act. For the purposes of this Act, such activities are deemed to be consistent with multiple- use management.''. (2) OCSLA amendments.--Section 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that any activity under this subsection is carried out in a manner that provides for a balance of-- ``(A) safety; ``(B) the protection of the environment; ``(C) the prevention of waste; ``(D) the conservation of the natural resources of the outer Continental Shelf; ``(E) coordination with relevant Federal agencies and Tribal, State, and local governments; ``(F) the protection of the national security interests of the United States, including energy security; ``(G) the protection of correlative rights in the outer Continental Shelf, including the energy generation potential of other offshore renewable energy leases; ``(H) a fair return to the United States for any lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; ``(I) prevention of unreasonable interference with other uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas, as determined by the Secretary; ``(J) consideration of-- ``(i) the location of, and any schedule relating to, a lease, easement, or right-of-way for an area of the outer Continental Shelf; and ``(ii) any other use of the sea or seabed, including use for a fishery or fishery survey, a sealane, a regional coastal observing system or other scientific observation platform such as a buoy, a potential site of a deepwater port, or navigation; ``(K) public notice and comment on any proposal submitted for a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; ``(L) the oversight, inspection, research, monitoring, and enforcement relating to a lease, easement, or right-of-way under this subsection; and ``(M) the consideration of any applicable Federal, Tribal, and State renewable energy mandates, targets, and goals.''.

SEC. 113. RATEPAYER PROTECTION AGAINST UNECONOMIC POWER GENERATION.

Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824a) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``During the continuance of any war in which the United States is engaged, or whenever the'' and inserting ``Secretary of Energy (referred to in this subsection as the `Secretary')''; (B) by striking ``exists'' after ``determines that an emergency'' and inserting ``currently exists or will occur within 6 months''; (C) by striking ``Commission'' after ``or other causes, the'' and inserting ``Secretary''; (D) by inserting ``As part of the order, the Secretary shall explain why such order best meets the emergency and serves the public interest.'' after ``serve the public interest.''; and (E) by striking ``Commission'' after ``carrying out such order, the'' and inserting ``Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (referred to in this subsection as the `Commission')''; (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by striking ``Commission'' after ``law or regulation, the'' and inserting ``Secretary''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary shall state in such orders-- ``(A) that are in effect for 96 or fewer hours, the specific hours that are necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest; or ``(B) that are in effect for more than 96 hours, the specific methodology by which such hours that are necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest were determined.''. (3) in paragraph (4)-- (A) by striking ``Commission'' wherever it appears and inserting ``Secretary''; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation''; (C) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) by inserting ``that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation'' after ``In renewing or reissuing an order under subparagraph (A)''; and (ii) by inserting ``The Secretary shall make available to the public the primary Federal agency consulted.'' after ``practicable.''; and (D) by adding at the end-- ``(C) Before renewing or reissuing an order under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall undertake a robust study of available alternatives that would reduce the net costs as compared to renewing or reissuing the order. ``(D) In the event the Secretary issues a renewed or reissued order under this paragraph, a petition for judicial review of such renewed or reissued order may be filed under section 313(b) without filing a request for rehearing or otherwise complying with any requirements of section 313(a).''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(6)(A) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), the Commission shall publish-- ``(i) estimates of the costs that are expected to be incurred by any electric utility and customers of such electric utility as a result of the order; and ``(ii) other expected impacts of the order. ``(B) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary issues an order under paragraph (1), an electric utility that has been, or is expected to be, affected as a result of the order, including any electric utility described in subparagraph (A)(i), shall provide in writing to customers of the electric utility a description of the costs incurred due to the order, or costs expected to be incurred as a result of the order, including any information relevant to the electric utility and the customers of the electric utility published under subparagraph (A).''.

TITLE II--CUTTING ENERGY BILLS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

SEC. 201. LOWERING HOUSEHOLD HEATING AND COOLING BILLS.

(a) Funding.--Section 2602 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``section 2607A)'' and inserting ``section 2604(e), 2605(u), 2607A, 2607B, or 2607C)''; and (B) by striking ``$2,000,000,000'' and all that follows and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary, including such sums as may be necessary to enable the States to assist all households that meet the eligibility requirements established under this title and to enable States to implement home energy affordability measures described in section 2605(b)(3).''; (2) in subsection (e), in the first sentence-- (A) by striking ``in each fiscal year''; (B) by striking ``$600,000,000'' and inserting ``$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and $2,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter,''; and (C) by inserting ``, or arising from a major disaster, as defined in section 2604(e)(1)'' before the period at the end; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(f) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2607C, including making grants under that section, $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and $1,000,000,000 plus such additional sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.''. (b) Definitions.--Section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6), (7) through (10), and (11), as paragraphs (6) through (8), (10) through (13), and (15), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) The terms `extreme heat' and `extreme cold', used with respect to a period, means a period in which there is an increased risk of-- ``(A) heat-related or cold-related, respectively, illness, hospitalization, or death; or ``(B) failures or energy shutoffs of home cooling or heating, respectively. ``(5) The term `HEAP coordinator' means an employee-- ``(A) who administers a program funded under section 2602(b); and ``(B) whose salary is paid, partly or wholly, with funds made available under that section.''; (3) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, the following: ``(9) The term `local coordinating agency' means any local organization or local office that receives funds under section 2602(b) to perform customer intake, or approval of benefits, on behalf of the State agency.''; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (13), as so redesignated, the following: ``(14) The term `State agency' means any State agency that administers the program funded under section 2602(b).''. (c) Assistance for Emergencies and Major Disasters, Including Extreme Heat and Cold.--Section 2604 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8623) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking ``section 2605(b)(9)(B)'' and inserting ``section 2605(b)(10)(B)''; and (2) in subsection (e)-- (A) by striking ``(e)'' and inserting the following: ``(e)(1) In this subsection: ``(A) The term `covered household' means an eligible household in an area where the President, or the Secretary, as the case may be, has declared or determined the occurrence of a natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster. ``(B) The term `major disaster' means-- ``(i) a major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191); ``(ii) a public health emergency determined under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); or ``(iii) a period of extreme heat or extreme cold, as determined by the Secretary. ``(2)''; (B) in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking ``natural disaster or other emergency involved'' and inserting ``natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster involved''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Upon a declaration or a determination of a natural disaster, emergency, or major disaster, for an area, the Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall, to the extent practicable, provide heating or cooling assistance through such an allotment to a State for covered households in that area. ``(4) To receive assistance under this subsection, the State that has jurisdiction over the covered households shall provide assurances to the Secretary that the State-- ``(A) will not preclude a household that receives heating assistance or cooling assistance under this title during a calendar year, on the basis of obtaining that assistance, from receiving cooling assistance or heating assistance, respectively, under this title during that year; ``(B) will not require a household to indicate that a household member has a medical need for assistance under this title, to be eligible for that assistance; and ``(C) will allow use of such assistance for purposes for which heating or cooling assistance is available under the program funded under section 2602(b), including for providing energy-efficient air conditioners, and other equipment needed for home cooling, to eligible households.''. (d) Eligible Households.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, subject to subsection (c)(1)(A),'' after ``only''; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B)'' and all that follows through clause (ii) and inserting the following: ``(B) households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of-- ``(i) an amount equal to 250 percent of the poverty level; or ``(ii) an amount equal to 80 percent of the State median income,''; and (iii) in the matter following subparagraph (B)-- (I) by striking ``may give'' and inserting ``shall give''; and (II) by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, and the State may not exclude a household from eligibility on the basis of citizenship of 1 or more of the household members''; (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (16) as paragraphs (4) through (17), respectively; (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) Energy burden limits.--To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall work with States using funding under section 2602(b) (supplemented by funding available through State-level energy programs, utility affordability initiatives, or other mechanisms as determined by the State in consultation with the Secretary) to implement home energy affordability measures-- ``(A) to ensure that no household eligible under paragraph (2) experiences an energy burden for which the expenditures of the household for home energy exceed 3 percent of household income; and ``(B) to prioritize the further reduction of energy burdens for such eligible households with the lowest incomes.''; and (E) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (10), as so redesignated, by striking ``paragraph (16)'' and inserting ``paragraph (17)''; (2) in subsection (c)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``assistance to be provided under this title, including criteria'' and inserting ``assistance to be provided under this title, including-- ``(i) certifying that the State and local coordinating agencies in the State-- ``(I) shall, to the greatest extent possible, use data sharing agreements with Federal and State low-income assistance programs, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), and the supplemental security income program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), to verify eligibility; ``(II) shall implement simplified re-enrollment procedures for households with fixed incomes or households already determined to be eligible under other Federal and State low-income assistance programs, to reduce administrative burdens on applicants and agencies; ``(III) shall not require applicants to submit proof of citizenship to establish status as an eligible household; and ``(IV) if neither the verification process described in subclause (I) nor the re-enrollment process described in subclause (II) apply to a household, shall allow applicants to self-attest that the applicants meet the criteria established under this title for an eligible household, to the extent necessary to facilitate access to assistance and prevent undue hardship for applicants; and ``(ii) describing criteria.''; (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)''; and (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``clauses (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (12), (13), and (15) of subsection (b)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (13), (14), and (16) of subsection (b)''; (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (b)(10)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(11)''; (4) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) For purposes of section 401(c), and the remainder of title IV, of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1611(a), 1601 et seq.), assistance under this title shall not be considered to be a Federal public benefit.''; and (5) in subsection (j), by striking ``the State may apply'' and inserting ``the State may, subject to subsection (c)(1)(A)(i), apply''. (e) Conditions for Funding.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, using toxics-free materials that do not contain asthmagens or respiratory sensitizers, giving priority in the use of those funds under this subparagraph, to the greatest extent practicable, to supporting emergency home repairs that foster energy efficiency, decarbonization, and household resilience, including through beneficial electrification of heating and cooling''; (B) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated-- (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) ensure that-- ``(i) the home energy supplier will not charge late fees for any payment, by a household receiving assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), during the period beginning 6 months before and ending 6 months after a date on which the supplier receives funds through the program for the household; and ``(ii) if the supplier receives funds through the program for such a household and charged such late fees during that period, the supplier shall refund the fees to the household not later than 7 days after the date the supplier receives the funds; ``(F) ensure that the home energy supplier will not shut off home energy from a household that received assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), within the 2-year period beginning on the date the household received the assistance; ``(G) ensure that the home energy supplier, in return for receiving funds through the program funded under section 2602(b)-- ``(i) will provide to the State data on households that have not paid their home energy bills, to enable the State and the supplier to carry out coordinated outreach concerning assistance available through the program funded under section 2602(b); and ``(ii) will, when sending a notice of late payments to such households, include information on such assistance, on how to access such assistance through the program, and on eligibility criteria for the program; and ``(H) ensure that the home energy supplier will, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, in return for receiving assistance under the program funded under section 2602(b) and through a partnership with the State, offer a low-income energy affordability payment program;''; and (C) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated-- (i) in subparagraph (A)-- (I) by striking ``10 percent'' and inserting ``15 percent''; and (II) by striking ``and'' at the end; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) in planning and administering that program, the State shall use the portion of the amount described in subparagraph (A), that exceeds 10 percent of the funds described in subparagraph (A), to expand the State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the program on a year-round basis; and ``(D) in planning and administering that program, the State-- ``(i) shall make technological changes to allow, not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, for online submission of applications for assistance through that program; and ``(ii) shall, to the extent practicable-- ``(I) conduct outreach activities, including activities to increase enrollment as described in subsection (p); ``(II) ensure that all HEAP coordinators in the State receive wages, for administration funded under section 2602(b), at not less than the greater of $15 per hour or the applicable Federal, State, or local minimum wage rate; ``(III) conduct training for HEAP coordinators, State agency staff, and community partners on best practices for outreach, application processing, and assisting eligible households; ``(IV) as needed, conduct outreach relating to the program funded under section 2602(b) to rural electric cooperatives, home energy suppliers owned by a political subdivision of a State, such as a municipally owned electric utility, and home energy suppliers owned by any agency, authority, corporation, or instrumentality of a political subdivision of a State; and ``(V) ensure autoenrollment of eligible households into the program funded under section 2602(b), and in the process document any potential barriers to autoenrollment that need to be clarified or otherwise addressed at the Federal level;''; (2) in subsection (c)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as subparagraph (I); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following: ``(H) describes how the State will expand the State program funded under section 2602(b) so that the State operates the program on a year-round basis in accordance with subsection (b)(10)(C) and the measures the State has taken so far to carry out that expansion; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(m) The Secretary shall allow, to the greatest extent possible, eligible households to obtain assistance with minimal administrative burden, by carrying out subsection (c)(1)(A)(i). ``(n) The Secretary shall, by grant or contract, provide for a study that examines the rates of home energy shutoffs and assessments of late fees among eligible households, relative to those rates for households that are not eligible households, over a period of several years. ``(o) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States to support partnerships described in subsection (b)(8)(H). ``(p)(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall issue guidance for use of funds for administrative activities described in subsection (b)(10) to increase, through partnerships with elementary schools, secondary schools, and local educational agencies, enrollment in the program funded under section 2602(b) among eligible households that include children and that have high energy burdens. ``(2) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on outreach relating to assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b) to high-risk individuals, with relevant medical conditions, that benefit from the use of medical equipment that requires electricity, including a ventilator, an oxygen concentrator, or another medical device that requires electricity. ``(3) The Secretary shall issue guidance for use by States on how to ensure that eligible households are aware of additional grants, tax credits, and rebates, made available under Public Law 117-169, or an amendment made by such law. ``(q) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall require each State receiving funds under this title, including allotments under subsection (a) or (e) of section 2604, to develop and update as necessary, an action plan for a period of extreme heat, which shall describe how the State will use its allotments under this title to assist eligible households in covering cooling costs and mitigating heat-related health risks. ``(r) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of eligibility criteria for assistance under this title and identify additional vulnerable populations to include under such criteria, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with medical conditions exacerbated by a period of extreme heat. ``(s) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall require State energy offices receiving Federal funds under this title to develop plans-- ``(1) to retrofit low-income housing stock to adapt to rising temperatures and address environmental hazards, including-- ``(A) deploying highly efficient cooling systems, including heat pumps; ``(B) expanding weatherization and passive cooling strategies; ``(C) addressing structural and health hazards, including mold, lead, asbestos, and pest infections; and ``(D) ensuring that necessary electrical panel and wiring upgrades are completed to support the installation of cooling systems and energy efficiency improvements; and ``(2) to assess and adapt existing (as of the date of development of the plan) shutoff policies to protect all households while considering the impact on energy affordability and energy grid reliability. ``(t)(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall submit a report to Congress that-- ``(A) identifies safe residential temperature standards for federally assisted dwelling units, considering risks of periods of extreme heat and extreme cold and regional climate variations; and ``(B) proposes strategies to ensure compliance with the standards, including permitting covered utility allowances to be used for cooling assistance where feasible, taking into account regional climate variations and housing stock differences. ``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered utility allowance' means a utility allowance-- ``(A) applicable to public housing dwelling units under section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a); or ``(B) under the housing choice voucher program under section 8(o)(2)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(2)(D)).''. (f) Weatherization.--Section 2605(k) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(k)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i)-- (i) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (C)''; and (ii) by striking ``the greater of 25 percent'' and inserting ``a portion equal to the greater of 35 percent''; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ``(B) The State-- ``(i) shall, to the extent practicable-- ``(I) use the portion described in subparagraph (A) for energy-related home repair that reduces dependence on fossil fuel energy sources; and ``(II) use the portion to facilitate the use of funds made available under section 2602(b) to increase the participation of eligible households in community solar programs, or to otherwise increase access to and ownership of distributed renewable energy infrastructure among eligible households; and ``(ii) shall if possible give the highest priority to using the portion for home repair that replaces appliances that rely on fossil fuels with appliances that use electric heating or cooling technology, powered by renewable energy.''. (g) Home Energy Payment Arrears Data Collection.--Section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624), as amended by subsection (e), is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(u)(1)(A) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall develop a standardized template for States and home energy suppliers to use to track and report data on eligible households in arrears in home energy payments, including data on the related fees and disconnections for such households. ``(B) The template developed under subparagraph (A) shall-- ``(i) include a definition of an eligible household in arrears, with respect to home energy payments, as an eligible household that has not made payment on a home energy bill for more than 60 to 90 days, as determined by the State agency or local coordinating agency, unless otherwise specified by State law; ``(ii) include metrics on related disconnections, late fees, reconnections, and arrearage balances for eligible households; and ``(iii) align with existing (as of the date of the development) Federal and State reporting mechanisms where applicable. ``(2) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Energy Bills Relief Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, issue guidance on best practices for States (including through partnerships with home energy suppliers) to pay for home energy payment arrearages with assistance provided through the program funded under section 2602(b), including by paying for such arrearages at the time of dissemination of assistance through that program. Such guidance shall prohibit any home energy supplier receiving funds through the program from recovering arrearage assistance costs through rate increases or other charges to customers, including cost recovery mechanisms that disproportionately impact low- income households. ``(3) To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly-- ``(A) implement a data tracking system, aligned with the standardized reporting template developed under paragraph (1), to collect aggregate data regarding the number of eligible households in arrears and their respective energy burdens and develop recommendations to HEAP coordinators on how to minimize energy burdens for the households; and ``(B) issue guidance to home energy suppliers with recommendations for working with State agencies to address home energy payment arrearages of eligible households. ``(4) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, may make grants to States to assist the States in implementing data tracking and reporting requirements under this subsection. ``(5) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as may be necessary.''. (h) Program Name Change.-- (1) LIHEAP.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 is amended-- (A) in section 2607A(b) (42 U.S.C. 8626a(b)), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``low- income'' the first place it appears; and (B) in section 2607B(e)(2)(B)(ii) (42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(B)(ii)), by striking ``Low-Income''. (2) Other law.--A reference in any other Federal law (other than that Act), Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document, of or relating to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, shall be deemed to refer to the Home Energy Assistance Program. (i) Just Transition Grants.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 is amended by inserting after section 2607B (42 U.S.C. 8626b) the following:

``SEC. 2607C. HEAP ENERGY AFFORDABILITY AND RESILIENCE GRANTS.

``(a) Grant Program.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly carry out a grant program under this section. In carrying out the program, the Secretaries shall make grants for a period of 3 years to States, Tribes, and local governments to support the development and implementation of interagency plans to reduce energy burdens for eligible households with high home energy use. The plans shall promote the reduction of those burdens in a manner that supports sustained reductions in household energy costs through improved energy efficiency, reliability, and access to cost-saving technologies. The Secretaries shall make the grants for a period of 3 years. ``(b) Preferences.--In making the grants, the Secretary shall give a preference to States, Tribes, and local governments, who set up coordination systems-- ``(1) to identify eligible households, that are recipients of assistance through the program funded under section 2602(b), with high home energy use; ``(2) to prioritize eligible households with the highest energy burdens and lowest incomes, in alignment with the priority provisions in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 2605(b), to receive emergency repair, weatherization, and retrofit assistance that results in decarbonization and reductions in energy use; and ``(3) to partner with entities carrying out workforce development initiatives, unions, or business enterprises owned by individuals that are socially disadvantaged to provide emergency repairs, weatherization, and retrofit assistance. ``(c) Report to Congress.--At the conclusion of the 3-year grant period, the Secretaries shall-- ``(1) conduct an evaluation of the program's outcomes; and ``(2) prepare and submit to Congress a report containing the results of the evaluation and policy recommendations.''. (j) Conforming Amendments.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 2607B(e)(2)(K) (42 U.S.C. 8626b(e)(2)(K)) by striking ``paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) of section 2605(b)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (15) of section 2605(b)''; and (2) in section 2610(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 8629) by striking ``clauses (2), (5), (8), and (15) of section 2605(b)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2), (6), (9), and (16) of section 2605(b)''.

SEC. 202. HOME WEATHERIZATION.

(a) Enhancement and Innovation.--Section 414D of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6864d) is amended by striking subsection (k). (b) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--Section 415(c)(1) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``$6,500'' and inserting ``$12,000''. (c) Clarification of Reweatherization Limitation.--Section 415(c)(2) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)(2)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``, or under other Federal programs''; (2) by striking ``, may'' and inserting ``may''; and (3) by striking ``or under other Federal programs, or from receiving non-Federal assistance for weatherization''. (d) Renewable Energy Systems.--Section 415(c) of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6865(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (4). (e) Weatherization Readiness Program.-- (1) In general.--The Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding after section 414E (42 U.S.C. 6864e) the following section:

``SEC. 414F. WEATHERIZATION READINESS PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a weatherization readiness program to provide grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to implement measures to make dwelling units occupied by low-income persons ready to receive weatherization measures pursuant to the weatherization program conducted under this part by addressing structural, plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues and environmental hazards, and implementing other measures that the Secretary determines to be appropriate, to reduce the frequency of deferrals of such weatherization measures when the condition of a dwelling unit renders delivery of weatherization measures unsafe or ineffective. ``(b) Alignment of Requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, to the extent possible, the Secretary shall, in establishing the weatherization readiness program under this section-- ``(1) align the requirements of such weatherization readiness program with the requirements of the weatherization program conducted under this part; and ``(2) seek to reduce barriers to leveraging other sources of funding for weatherization readiness measures. ``(c) Savings-to-Investment Ratio.--The weatherization readiness program established under this section shall not include a savings-to- investment ratio requirement. ``(d) Previous Weatherization.--Weatherization readiness measures implemented pursuant to the weatherization readiness program established under this section shall not be considered previous weatherization for purposes of section 415(c)(2). ``(e) Average Cost per Dwelling Unit.--The Secretary shall establish, or require a State grantee to establish, a limit for expenditures for weatherization readiness measures, including labor, materials, and related matters, to be implemented with respect to a dwelling unit, on an average cost per unit basis, pursuant to the weatherization readiness program established under this section. ``(f) Allocation of Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall allocate funding made available under this section to States and tribal organizations in a manner consistent with the allocation of financial assistance for weatherization assistance under the weatherization program conducted under this part. ``(2) Updated allocation.--Not sooner than October 1, 2029, the Secretary, in consultation with States and tribal organizations, may, by rule, update the method to allocate funding to States and tribal organizations under this section to more accurately reflect the relative need for funding for weatherization readiness measures among low-income persons throughout the States and Indian tribes. ``(g) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than an amount equal to 15 percent of any grant made by the Secretary under this section may be used for administrative purposes, except that not more than one-half of such amount may be used by any State for such purposes. ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section.''. (2) Table of contents amendment.--The table of contents for the Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by adding after the item relating to section 414E the following:

``Sec. 414F. Weatherization readiness program.''. (f) Reauthorization of Weatherization Assistance Program.-- Paragraph (2) of section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6872) is amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2030''.

SEC. 203. REFLECTIVE ROOFING.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program to provide rebates to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products. (b) Rebate Amount.--The amount of a rebate provided under the program established under subsection (a) shall be-- (1) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed on a low-sloped roof-- (A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has-- (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.65 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 78; and (B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has-- (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.75 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 92; and (2) with respect to an eligible cool roof product installed on a steep-sloped roof-- (A) $0.25 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has-- (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.25 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 23; and (B) $0.75 per square foot if such eligible cool roof product has-- (i) a minimum 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.40 and a minimum 3-year-aged thermal emittance of 0.75; or (ii) a minimum 3-year aged Solar Reflectance Index of 43. (c) Combining Rebates.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an eligible household from receiving any other grant, rebate, or other financial assistance with respect to the same eligible cool roof product for which a rebate is provided under the program established under subsection (a). (d) Low-Income and High Energy Burden Households.--In implementing this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less that 40 percent of total incremental energy savings achieved under this program in a given year shall accrue to households that in the determination of the Secretary are low-income or experience a disproportionately high energy burden. (e) Participation Statements.--Each State and each retail electricity supplier shall publish on an annual basis an impact statement that disaggregates participation under this section by income and demographic characteristics, savings, and health outcomes. (f) Termination Date.--The program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2030. (g) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 6 months after the program established under subsection (a) terminates, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing, for each program participant-- (1) whether the participant used the rebate to help retrofit an old roof or install a new roof; (2) if the participant retrofitted an old roof, which older roof product the new eligible cool roof product replaced or covered; and (3) what eligible cool roof product the participant purchased using the rebate. (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030. (i) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) 3-year aged.--The term ``3-year aged'' means, with respect to solar reflectance or thermal emittance of an eligible cool roof product, the solar reflectance or thermal emittance is tested after completing 3 years of field exposure, or tested after laboratory exposure that has replicated the effects of 3 years of natural exposure if the eligible cool roof product has begun but not yet completed field exposure, in accordance with the most recent standard issued by the American National Standard Institute and Cool Roof Rating Council, S100- 2021. (2) Eligible cool roof product.--The term ``eligible cool roof product'' means a product that has a rating from the Cool Roof Rating Council. (3) Eligible household.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term ``eligible household'' means an individual or family-- (i) residing in a single-family or multi- family building; (ii) the total annual income of which is less than 200 percent of the median income of the ZIP Code in which the individual or family resides (as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development); and (iii) residing in a ZIP Code Tabulation Area that is in the 75th percentile or higher of the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (B) Alaska, hawaii, and territories.--With respect to an individual or family residing in Alaska, Hawaii, or a territory of the United States, until the date that their respective State or territory is added to the Heat and Health Index of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the term ``eligible household'' means that such individual or family-- (i) resides in a single-family or multi- family building; and (ii) has a total annual income that is less than 200 percent of the median income of the ZIP Code in which the individual or family resides (as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development). (4) Incident solar flux.--The term ``incident solar flux'' means the solar power per unit area that strikes a surface. (5) Low-sloped roof.--The term ``low-sloped roof'' means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) of 2:12 or less. (6) Radiant heat flux.--The term ``radiant heat flux'' means the radiant power per unit area. (7) Reflected solar flux.--The term ``reflected solar flux'' means the solar power per unit area reflected from a surface. (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. (9) Solar reflectance.--The term ``solar reflectance'' means the ratio of reflected solar flux to the incident solar flux. (10) Solar reflectance index.--The term ``Solar Reflectance Index'' means a calculated value that combines solar reflectance with thermal emittance into a single metric, in accordance with section 2.2.9. of the Cool Roof Rating Council's Roof Product Rating Program Manual. (11) Steep-sloped roof.--The term ``steep-sloped roof'' means a roof with a slope (ratio of rise to run) greater than 2:12. (12) Thermal emittance.--The term ``thermal emittance'' means the ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a material tested at a temperature near 300 kelvin.

SEC. 204. DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS PRICE PROTECTION.

(a) Exportation of Natural Gas.-- (1) Exportation of natural gas.--Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Exportation of Natural Gas.-- ``(1) Order required.--No person shall export any natural gas from the United States to a foreign country without first having secured an order of the Secretary of Energy authorizing it to do so. The Secretary of Energy may issue such order upon application only if, after opportunity for hearing, the Secretary of Energy finds that the proposed exportation will be consistent with the public interest. The Secretary of Energy may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part, with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Energy may find necessary or appropriate, and may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for good cause shown, issue such supplemental order for such exportation as it may find necessary or appropriate. ``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary of Energy shall find

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