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Updated June 9, 2022
DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
FY2022 Appropriations
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of
Program were to create the Weatherization Readiness Fund
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is
to address structural, health, and safety issues. The request
responsible for enabling renewable energy and end-use
also proposed two new programs: the Local Government
energy efficiency technology development and
Clean Energy Workforce program (LGCEWP)—to provide
implementation. Other activities include participation in
funding and resources to qualifying local governments and
intergovernmental programs, establishing minimum energy
Indian tribes to support local job creation in energy—and
conservation standards for appliances and equipment, and
the Build Back Better Challenge Grants program
providing technical support.
(BBBCG)—to fund innovation in clean energy technology
deployment, particularly at the local level and with an
EERE collaborates with industry, academia, national
emphasis on underserved communities.
laboratories, and others to conduct and support research,
development, demonstration, and deployment activities.
Legislative Actions
EERE also manages programs that support state and local
Congressional interest in EERE funding included the level
governments, tribes, and school leaders. Further, EERE
of appropriations and which activities should receive
oversees and supports the research and infrastructure of the
support. The House Appropriations Committee approved
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—the only
the FY2022 Energy and Water Development funding bill on
U.S. national laboratory solely dedicated to researching and
July 16, 2021 (H.R. 4549, H.Rept. 117-98). The bill was
developing renewable energy and energy efficiency
combined in a “minibus” with six other appropriations bills
technologies.
(H.R. 4502), which passed the House on July 29, 2021. The
Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY2022
EERE Appropriations
Energy and Water Development funding bill on August 4,
EERE receives funding through the annual Energy and
2021 (S. 2605, S.Rept. 117-36). The bills approved by the
Water Development (E&W) appropriations bill. Under the
Senate committee and the House included overall funding
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, P.L. 117-103,
increases for EERE above the FY2021 enacted level but
EERE received $3.20 billion for FY2022, approximately
below the Administration’s FY2022 request.
$338 million more than the enacted FY2021 level of $2.86
billion (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; P.L.
The Senate committee bill included congressionally
116-260). From FY2020 to FY2022, appropriations for
directed spending for site-specific projects (sometimes
EERE averaged $2.95 billion annually in current (not
referred to as earmarks). For EERE, the committee report
adjusted for inflation) dollars (see Table 1).
recommended $77.0 million for 54 projects, each ranging in
funding from $50,000 to $5.166 million with a median
EERE appropriations are split into four categories: (1)
funding amount of $1 million. The committee report also
sustainable transportation, (2) renewable energy, (3) energy
recommended $40 million for the Renewable Energy Grid
efficiency, and (4) corporate support (e.g., program
Integration program. Both were included in the enacted bill.
administration and facilities).
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103,
Executive Branch Actions
Division D) was signed by President Biden on March 15,
For FY2022, the Biden Administration requested $4.73
2022. EERE received $3.20 billion for FY2022, which was
billion for EERE—roughly a 65% increase from the
below the funding levels recommended by the House and
FY2021 enacted level of $2.86 billion. Of the FY2022
Senate. The enacted bill provides funding for some new
request for EERE, 5.3% was to be reserved for program
programs (LGCEWP and Energy Future Grants) but not
direction.
others (BBBCG).
Proposed funding increases were aimed at both new and
In addition to funding provided through P.L. 117-103,
existing programs. Funding increases for the Federal
Division D, EERE received additional funding through the
Energy Management Program were proposed to support the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58),
Federal Energy Efficiency Fund, which provides funds to
enacted on November 15, 2021. IIJA provides a total of
federal agencies for energy and water efficiency projects
$16.264 billion in additional emergency appropriations for
that address climate change mitigation or adaptation.
EERE, of which $8.207 billion is directed to FY2022.
Funding increases for the Weatherization Assistance
https://crsreports.congress.gov