The bill would create an Energy Circuit Rider Program. It would provide grants to eligible entities to hire, train, and retain workers who help rural communities plan, finance, and carry out energy-efficiency and clean-energy projects. Assistance could include energy audits, grant writing, and information about funding and incentives. Each worker would serve at least two rural areas. The bill would also support sharing best practices and require annual reports to Congress on energy savings, community monetary savings, and carbon-emission reductions. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
If enacted, eligible entities such as states, tribes, nonprofits, and colleges could apply for grants. The workers funded through the program would provide assistance to rural areas. The bill does not provide direct grants to individuals.
The bill would authorize $25 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The federal share of a grant could cover no more than 75 percent of its costs.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.