§13458 Energy efficient lighting and building centers

Summary

Creates regional centers to help buildings use less energy for lighting, heating, cooling, and design. The Secretary of Energy must give grants within 18 months after October 24, 1992, to nonprofits or groups (which can include governments, schools, and utilities) to set up or improve one center in each of the 10 DOE regions. Centers can offer training and technical help to architects, engineers, contractors, and code officials; run outreach and demonstrations; share new technology and regional case studies; study local needs; help schools build energy programs; coordinate with local groups; and check how well they are doing. Nonprofits or consortia must apply to get a grant, and centers already running on October 24, 1992, can apply. Grants are chosen based on the applicant’s plan, resources, ability to form a broad board, and ability to carry out the work. Federal money can pay up to 50% of start-up costs and up to 25% of operating costs, and recipients must secure the rest from nonfederal sources. The Secretary will create a roughly 20-member expert task force to advise, review, and recommend; members serve 3-year terms, are unpaid but get travel pay, and meet twice a year. Congress authorized up to $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1994, 1995, and 1996, available until spent.