WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4911

A bill to require certain information and financial assistance under the State energy program and the weatherization assistance program to be distributed without undue delay to support State and local high-impact energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Susan Collins and 3 co-sponsors

The bill requires rapid, unhindered distribution of SEP and WAP funds and information to state and local governments to accelerate high-impact energy efficiency and renewable proje

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4911

Summary of Bill: S. 4911 (119th Congress)

Purpose

S. 4911 seeks to ensure that information and financial assistance provided under the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) are distributed more promptly to support state and local initiatives focused on high-impact energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The core aim is to reduce delays in delivering federal support to states and localities implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Prompt Distribution of Funds and Information: Requires that information and financial assistance under SEP and WAP be distributed “without undue delay” to state and local governments and other eligible recipients. This emphasizes speed in getting resources to implement projects.
  • Program Alignment with High-Impact Initiatives: The bill directs that the distributed resources be used to support high-impact energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives at the state and local levels. While the exact definition of “high-impact” is not provided in the summary, it signals a focus on scalable, cost-effective measures with substantial energy savings or renewable energy deployment.
  • Administrative and Process Considerations: Implicitly, the bill would influence the administrative handling and prioritization of SEP and WAP resources to reduce bureaucratic delays and streamline the grant/ funding processes.
  • Scope of Programs: The focus remains on two existing federal programs:
    • State Energy Program (SEP)
    • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Parties Affected

  • State Governments: State energy offices and agencies administering SEP and WAP funds.
  • Local Governments and Communities: Municipalities, counties, and local agencies implementing energy efficiency and weatherization projects.
  • Program Recipients and Contractors: Subgrantees, weatherization providers, and energy efficiency project developers who rely on timely funding and program information.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on June 24, 2026.
  • Status in Committee: As of the latest action, the bill has been read twice and referred to the committee, which suggests the bill is at an early stage and may undergo standard committee review, potential amendments, and hearings before any floor consideration.
  • Sponsors and Supporters: Primary and co-sponsors include:
    • Jeanne Shaheen
    • Chris Coons
    • Susan Collins
    • Alex Padilla These sponsors indicate bipartisan interest in accelerating energy efficiency funding and implementation.

Potential Impact

  • Accelerated Project Deployment: By mandating timely distribution of SEP and WAP resources, states and localities could initiate and complete energy efficiency upgrades and weatherization projects more quickly.
  • Expanded Access to Weatherization: Faster access to WAP funds could enable more households, particularly low-income families, to receive weatherization services.
  • Enhanced State and Local Capacity: Streamlined information flow and funding may strengthen the ability of state and local governments to plan and execute high-impact energy projects, potentially increasing measurable energy savings and renewable energy deployment.

Notes

  • The bill’s text would be needed to provide precise definitions (e.g., what constitutes “without undue delay” and how “high-impact” is measured) and to identify any new reporting, oversight, or compliance requirements.
  • As a procedural matter, further actions (markups, hearings, amendments, or floor votes) would determine the bill’s fate and potential policy details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.