§18793 Energy Auditor Training Grant Program

Summary

Creates a competitive grant program under the State Energy Program to pay for training people to do energy audits of homes and businesses. Eligible States must show they need help training auditors and meet any extra rules the Secretary sets. Grants are awarded after a state applies with a training plan that says what the curriculum is, which covered certification trainees will get, the expected cost per person, how trainees will find jobs, and any other information the Secretary asks for. The Secretary decides each grant amount based on state population, but no state can get more than $2,000,000. Grant money can cover training and certification costs and, up to 10% of the grant, pay trainee wages. The Secretary must consult with the Secretary of Labor. Congress authorized $40,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. Definitions: Covered certification — includes the ASHRAE Building Energy Assessment Professional, Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor, Building Performance Institute Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor, RESNET Home Energy Rater, and other third-party certifications the Department recognizes or the Secretary says are equivalent. Eligible State — a State with a demonstrated need for auditor training and any other criteria the Secretary requires.