§1701z–17 Increasing access and understanding of energy efficient mortgages

Summary

energy efficient mortgage — has the same meaning given in paragraph (24) of section 12704 of title 42. Within 180 days after July 30, 2008, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must work with the Secretary of Energy, the EPA Administrator, the mortgage industry, and the states to make recommendations for removing barriers to more energy efficient mortgages. They must look at problems like lack of clear information on savings and benefits, confusing underwriting rules and program differences, slow or complex application steps, little public research on default risk, and availability of certified home energy ratings. HUD must send a report to Congress with the recommendations and any suggested legal or administrative changes. The HUD Secretary, together with the Secretary of Energy, the EPA Administrator, and State Energy and Housing Finance Directors, must run an education and outreach campaign to teach consumers, builders, lenders, and real estate professionals about improving home energy efficiency and about energy efficient mortgages. Money is authorized as needed to pay for this campaign.