39–006 

113TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 113–479 

STREAMLINING ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR SCHOOLS ACT 

OF 2014 

JUNE 19, 2014.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. UPTON, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 4092] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred 

the bill (H.R. 4092) to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation 

Act to establish the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as the lead Federal agency for coordinating Federal, State, 

and local assistance provided to promote the energy retrofitting of 

schools, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with 

an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Purpose and Summary ............................................................................................ 2 

Background and Need for Legislation .................................................................... 2 

Hearings ................................................................................................................... 3 

Committee Consideration ........................................................................................ 4 

Committee Votes ...................................................................................................... 4 

Committee Oversight Findings ............................................................................... 4 

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives .................................... 4 

New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures ............. 4 

Earmark, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff Benefits ............................. 4 

Committee Cost Estimate ....................................................................................... 4 

Congressional Budget Office Estimate ................................................................... 4 

Federal Mandates Statement ................................................................................. 5 

Duplication of Federal Programs ............................................................................ 5 

Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings ..................................................................... 6 

Advisory Committee Statement .............................................................................. 6 

Applicability to Legislative Branch ........................................................................ 6 

Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation ...................................................... 6 

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ..................................... 6 

The amendment is as follows: 


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1 ENERGY STAR, ‘‘Schools: An Overview of Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Opportunities.’’ 2 Id. 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 

2014’’. 

SEC. 2. COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETROFITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS. 

Section 392 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6371a) is 

amended by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(e) COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETROFITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS.— 

‘‘(1) DEFINITION OF SCHOOL.—Notwithstanding section 391(6), for the purposes 

of this subsection, the term ‘school’ means— 

‘‘(A) an elementary school or secondary school (as defined in section 9101 

of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)); 

‘‘(B) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102(a) of the 

Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)); 

‘‘(C) a school of the defense dependents’ education system under the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.) or established under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code; 

‘‘(D) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; 

‘‘(E) a tribally controlled school (as defined in section 5212 of the Tribally 

Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)); and 

‘‘(F) a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316(b) of the 

Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))). 

‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEARINGHOUSE.—The Secretary, acting through the 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, shall establish a clearinghouse to disseminate information regarding available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for 

schools. 

‘‘(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall— 

‘‘(A) consult with appropriate Federal agencies to develop a list of Federal 

programs and financing mechanisms that are, or may be, used for the purposes described in paragraph (2); and 

‘‘(B) coordinate with appropriate Federal agencies to develop a collaborative education and outreach effort to streamline communications and promote available Federal programs and financing mechanisms described in 

subparagraph (A), which may include the development and maintenance of 

a single online resource that includes contact information for relevant technical assistance in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

that States, local education agencies, and schools may use to effectively access and use such Federal programs and financing mechanisms.’’. 

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

H.R. 4092, the ‘‘Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 

2014,’’ was introduced by Representative Cartwright (D–PA) on 

February 26, 2014. The legislation establishes a clearinghouse 

within the Department of Energy (DOE) to consolidate and maintain information regarding available federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used by schools to develop and implement energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

The 17,450 K–12 school districts in the United States spend approximately $6 billion each year on energy bills, second only to personnel costs while exceeding the costs of textbooks and supplies.1

In fact, ‘‘as much as 30 percent of a school district’s total energy 

is used inefficiently or unnecessarily.’’ 2 Yet, an estimated 14 million American children attend deteriorating public schools and, acVerDate Mar 15 2010 23:49 Jun 24, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR479.XXX HR479

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3 U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, ‘‘Condition of America’s Public School Facilities: 2012–2013,’’ at p. 3 (Mar. 2014). 

cording to a Department of Education survey, ‘‘53 percent of public 

schools needed to spend money on repairs, renovations, and modernizations to put the school’s onsite buildings in good overall condition.’’ 3

Energy expenses are one of the few costs that can be reduced 

while also improving classroom instruction. Cost-savings realized 

from improved energy efficiency can be used to help pay for building improvements and classroom upgrades. Examples of cost-effective energy efficiency measures available to schools include: 

• Install energy-efficient lighting systems and controls that 

improve light quality and reduce heat gain. 

• Upgrade and maintain heating and cooling equipment. 

• Use a performance contract to guarantee energy savings 

from upgrades. 

• Work with an energy services provider to help manage and 

improve energy performance. 

• Install window films and add insulation or reflective roof 

coating to reduce energy consumption. 

There are numerous federal initiatives already available to 

schools to help them become more energy efficient. However, these 

programs are spread across the federal government, making it 

challenging, time consuming, and costly for schools to identify and 

take full advantage of these programs. 

The ‘‘Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act’’ would provide a consolidated structure to help schools better navigate available federal programs, such as DOE’s EnergySmart Schools program and EPA’s Energy Star for K–12 School Districts program, 

and financing options to develop certain energy projects. Specifically, the bill establishes a clearinghouse to disseminate information regarding available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used by schools to initiate, develop, and finance 

energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting 

projects. 

The bill also directs DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to coordinate with Federal agencies to develop a 

collaborative education and outreach effort to streamline communications and promote available Federal programs and financing 

mechanisms. This may include the development and maintenance 

of a single online resource that provides a ‘‘one-stop-shop’’ that 

States, local education agencies, and schools may use to effectively 

access and use such Federal programs and financing mechanisms. 

Supporters of the Legislation 

Supporters of the bill include ASHRAE and U.S. Green Building 

Council. 

HEARINGS

The Committee on Energy and Commerce has not held hearings 

on the legislation. 


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COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On April 29 and 30, 2014, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met in open markup session. During the markup, an amendment in the nature of a substitute was offered and adopted by a 

voice vote. The Committee ordered H.R. 4092 favorably reported, 

by a voice vote, to the House of Representatives, as amended. 

COMMITTEE VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes on the motion 

to report legislation and amendments thereto. There were no 

record votes taken in connection with ordering H.R. 4092 reported. 

A motion by Mr. Upton to order H.R. 4092 reported to the House, 

as amended, was agreed to by a voice vote. 

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the Committee made findings that are reflected 

in this report. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

H.R. 4092 establishes a clearinghouse within DOE to consolidate 

and maintain information regarding available federal programs 

and financing mechanisms that may be used by schools to develop 

and implement energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects. 

NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX

EXPENDITURES

In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R. 4092, 

would result in no new or increased budget authority, entitlement 

authority, or tax expenditures or revenues. 

EARMARK, LIMITED TAX BENEFITS, AND LIMITED TARIFF BENEFITS

In compliance with clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the 

Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that 

H.R. 4092 contains no earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited 

tariff benefits. 

COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 

402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATE

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate provided by 

the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974: 


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U.S. CONGRESS, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, Washington, DC, May 20, 2014. 

Hon. FRED UPTON, 

Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, 

House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4092, the Streamlining 

Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. 

Sincerely, 

DOUGLAS W. ELMENDORF. 

Enclosure. 

H.R. 4092—Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014 

H.R. 4092 would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a 

centralized clearinghouse to disseminate information on federal 

programs, incentives, and mechanisms for financing energy-efficient retrofits and upgrades at schools. The bill would direct the 

Secretary to work with other federal agencies to develop a comprehensive list of such federal programs and to streamline efforts 

to publicize them through education and outreach. 

Based on information from the Department of Energy (DOE) 

about current levels of spending for similar efforts, CBO estimates 

that enacting H.R. 4092 would not significantly affect the federal 

budget. We estimate that any additional costs incurred by DOE to 

expand existing efforts to promote opportunities to boost energy efficiency of schools under H.R. 4092 would total less than $500,000 

annually, assuming the availability of appropriated funds. H.R. 

4092 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, payas-you-go procedures do not apply. 

H.R. 4092 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would 

impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director 

for Budget Analysis. 

FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 

pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. 

DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

No provision of H.R. 4092 establishes or reauthorizes a program 

of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 


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DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS

The Committee estimates that enacting H.R. 4092 specifically directs no rule makings within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 551 to be 

completed. 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the 

Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this legislation. 

APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to the 

terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or 

accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION

Section 1. Short title 

This section provides the short title of the ‘‘Streamlining Energy 

Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014.’’ 

Section 2. Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for 

Schools 

This section amends Section 392 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by adding a new subsection (e)—‘‘Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for Schools.’’ 

Subsection (e)(1) adds a new definition of ‘‘school’’ for purposes 

of this subsection. 

Subsection (e)(2) requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a 

clearinghouse to disseminate information regarding available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to help 

initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for schools. 

Subsection (e)(3) provides that, in carrying out subsection (e)(2), 

the Secretary of Energy shall: (1) consult with appropriate Federal 

agencies to develop a list of Federal programs and financing mechanisms that are, or may be, used to implement subsection (e)(2); 

and (2) coordinate with appropriate Federal agencies to develop a 

collaborative education and outreach effort to streamline communications and promote available Federal programs and financing 

mechanisms, which may include the development and maintenance 

of a single online resource that includes contact information for relevant technical assistance within the Department of Energy that 

States, local education agencies, and schools may use to effectively 

access and use such Federal programs and financing mechanisms. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is printed in italic 

and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in 

roman): 


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SECTION 392 OF THE ENERGY POLICY AND 

CONSERVATION ACT 

GUIDELINES

SEC. 392. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(e) COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETROFITTING ASSISTANCE FOR

SCHOOLS.— 

(1) DEFINITION OF SCHOOL.—Notwithstanding section 391(6), 

for the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘‘school’’ means— 

(A) an elementary school or secondary school (as defined 

in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)); 

(B) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 

1002(a)); 

(C) a school of the defense dependents’ education system 

under the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 

U.S.C. 921 et seq.) or established under section 2164 of title 

10, United States Code; 

(D) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; 

(E) a tribally controlled school (as defined in section 5212 

of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 

2511)); and 

(F) a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 

316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 

1059c(b))). 

(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEARINGHOUSE.—The Secretary, acting through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, shall establish a clearinghouse to disseminate information 

regarding available Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance 

energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting 

projects for schools. 

(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall— 

(A) consult with appropriate Federal agencies to develop 

a list of Federal programs and financing mechanisms that 

are, or may be, used for the purposes described in paragraph (2); and 

(B) coordinate with appropriate Federal agencies to develop a collaborative education and outreach effort to 

streamline communications and promote available Federal 

programs and financing mechanisms described in subparagraph (A), which may include the development and maintenance of a single online resource that includes contact information for relevant technical assistance in the Office of 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy that States, local 

education agencies, and schools may use to effectively access and use such Federal programs and financing mechanisms. 

Æ 


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