# Energy Efficient Public Buildings Act of 2021

This bill creates a federal grant program that gives money to states, local governments, and nonprofits to make public buildings more energy efficient. The Department of Energy would hand out up to $1 billion per year (from 2022 through 2026) to help pay for upgrades like better insulation, new heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, solar panels, and other improvements that reduce energy costs by at least 20 percent.

The buildings eligible for this money include public libraries, hospitals, community centers, and government office buildings. Any state or local government, nonprofit organization, or group of these entities can apply for grants. The improvements must do two things: cut energy bills significantly and improve conditions for people inside the buildings, such as better air quality, natural light, and quieter spaces. The bill also allows funding for renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines if they meet the energy-saving requirements.

The bill specifically prioritizes funding for communities that have been historically underserved or face environmental challenges. This includes low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, areas with high poverty and unemployment, and places where many residents receive government assistance like food stamps. The idea is to direct resources to communities that often have older, less efficient buildings and fewer resources to upgrade them on their own.

To ensure quality work, the bill requires that workers on these projects be paid prevailing wages (similar to union-scale pay), and it encourages hiring from local small businesses, minority-owned companies, and women-owned businesses. Recipients of grants must report back on how much energy they saved and what safety improvements resulted from the upgrades, with follow-up reports required five years after completion.

Energy Efficient Public Buildings Act of 2021

Velázquez, Nydia M.

Energy Efficient Public Buildings Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy to provide grants to states, local governments, or nonprofit organizations for making energy improvements in (1) public libraries, (2) public hospitals, (3) community centers, or (4) state or local government buildings.