H.R. 1355: Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025, aims to amend current laws related to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and establish supportive measures for improving energy efficiency in homes occupied by low-income individuals. The bill includes a number of important provisions outlined below:

Key Provisions

1. Increased Funding for Weatherization

The bill proposes to increase the average amount of funding available for weatherization assistance per dwelling. Specifically, it raises the cap from $6,500 to $12,000. This increase aims to allow for more comprehensive and effective weatherization measures to be implemented in low-income homes.

2. New Weatherization Readiness Program

The most significant new element introduced in this bill is the establishment of a Weatherization Readiness Program. Here are some key aspects:

• Purpose: The program is designed to provide grants to states and tribal organizations for addressing various issues (like structural or plumbing problems) that could prevent effective weatherization of homes.
• Implementation: The Secretary of Energy is tasked with setting up this program within one year of the bill's enactment.
• No Savings-to-Investment Ratio: Unlike the traditional weatherization programs, this new readiness program will not require a savings-to-investment ratio for the measures implemented, simplifying the process.
• Funding Allocation: Funding for this program will be allocated in a manner similar to how current weatherization assistance is distributed, ensuring consistency in addressing the needs of low-income homes.

3. Clarifications and Amendments

Several clarifications and amendments are made to existing laws within the Energy Conservation and Production Act:

• The reweatherization limitations are specified to avoid confusion regarding the use of federal assistance.
• Provisions concerning renewable energy systems are removed, emphasizing the focus on immediate weatherization concerns.

4. Reauthorization of Weatherization Assistance Program

The bill also extends the authorization for the Weatherization Assistance Program until 2030, ensuring that the program remains funded and operational through this date.

Funding and Administration

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to support the new weatherization readiness program. Additionally, it sets limits on administrative expenses related to the grants, ensuring the majority of funding goes directly towards the intended purposes rather than administrative costs.

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