Energy Equity Act of 2021

Energy Equity Act of 2021

This bill establishes an Office of Energy Equity within the Department of Energy. The office must (1) promote an agencywide environmental justice strategy and interagency collaboration, (2) reduce or stabilize energy costs within underserved or disadvantaged communities, and (3) increase the availability of energy conservation measures within underserved or disadvantaged communities.

Bill 117 hr 1375, also known as the Energy Equity Act of 2021, aims to address disparities in access to clean energy resources and technologies in low-income and marginalized communities. The bill seeks to promote energy equity by providing funding for programs that increase access to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency upgrades, and job training in the clean energy sector.

Key provisions of the Energy Equity Act include:

1. Establishing a grant program to support the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems in low-income households and communities. 2. Providing funding for energy efficiency upgrades in affordable housing units and public buildings. 3. Creating a workforce development program to train individuals from underserved communities for jobs in the clean energy industry. 4. Requiring federal agencies to consider equity and environmental justice in their energy policies and programs. 5. Promoting research and development of clean energy technologies that benefit disadvantaged communities. Overall, the Energy Equity Act of 2021 aims to reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and create economic opportunities for communities that have been historically underserved in the clean energy sector. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a step towards addressing environmental and economic disparities in the United States.