Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§8259a Energy and Water Savings Measures in Congressional Buildings

Title 42 › CHAPTER 91 — NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY › SUBCHAPTER III — FEDERAL ENERGY INITIATIVE › Part B — Federal Energy Management › § 8259a

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Architect of the Capitol must make, update, and run a cost‑effective energy and water plan for all congressional buildings to meet Federal energy rules. The plan must be sent to Congress within 180 days after August 8, 2005. It must describe the life‑cycle cost analysis, require full energy surveys of every building at least every 5 years, outline how to install cost‑effective measures, report on submetering costs and benefits, and provide simple how‑to guides for Members and offices. The Architect must also send an annual report with each facility’s energy spending, savings estimates, projects, and future priorities.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §8259a

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general

The Architect of the Capitol—

(1)shall develop, update, and implement a cost-effective energy conservation and management plan (referred to in this section as the “plan”) for all facilities administered by Congress (referred to in this section as “congressional buildings”) to meet the energy performance requirements for Federal buildings established under section 8253(a)(1) of this title; and

(2)shall submit the plan to Congress, not later than 180 days after August 8, 2005.

(b)Plan requirements

The plan shall include—

(1)a description of the life cycle cost analysis used to determine the cost-effectiveness of proposed energy efficiency projects;

(2)a schedule of energy surveys to ensure complete surveys of all congressional buildings every 5 years to determine the cost and payback period of energy and water conservation measures;

(3)a strategy for installation of life cycle cost-effective energy and water conservation measures;

(4)the results of a study of the costs and benefits of installation of submetering in congressional buildings; and

(5)information packages and “how-to” guides for each Member and employing authority of Congress that detail simple, cost-effective methods to save energy and taxpayer dollars in the workplace.

(c)Annual report

The Architect of the Capitol shall submit to Congress annually a report on congressional energy management and conservation programs required under this section that describes in detail—

(1)energy expenditures and savings estimates for each facility;

(2)energy management and conservation projects; and

(3)future priorities to ensure compliance with this section.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 8259a

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110