Federal Mechanical Insulation Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3474

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 411.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:26:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (H.R. 3474) aims to promote energy and water efficiency in federal buildings by explicitly recognizing the installation of mechanical insulation as a qualifying measure. This clarification supports broader federal goals of reducing energy consumption and costs in government facilities.

Key Provisions

• Definition of Mechanical Insulation Property: Adds a new term to Section 543(f)(1) of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA), defining it as insulation materials, facings (protective coverings), and accessory products used in mechanical systems (like heating, cooling, or plumbing). These must meet or exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1—a widely used guideline for energy-efficient building design—and result in reduced energy loss from the system.
• Updates to Energy and Water Evaluations: Amends Section 543(f)(3)(A) of NECPA to require that comprehensive energy and water audits of federal buildings explicitly identify potential savings measures, including the installation of mechanical insulation where applicable.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the scope of eligible energy efficiency measures under NECPA's Section 543(f), which previously focused on general evaluations and improvements but did not specifically mention mechanical insulation.
• Integrates this into routine federal building assessments, making it a standard consideration rather than an optional or overlooked option.
• No changes to funding mechanisms or penalties; the focus is on clarification and inclusion in evaluation processes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Federal agencies responsible for building management (e.g., Department of Defense, General Services Administration) may need to incorporate mechanical insulation into energy audits, potentially leading to lower utility costs and reduced energy use in thousands of federal facilities. This could simplify compliance with existing efficiency mandates.
• On Citizens: Indirect benefits through taxpayer savings on federal energy bills and contributions to national energy conservation efforts, which may help lower overall environmental impact without direct effects on individuals.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it aligns with U.S. commitments to global energy efficiency standards (e.g., via ASHRAE, which has international influence), potentially supporting diplomatic efforts on climate and sustainability.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government Agencies: Primary implementers, as they manage buildings subject to NECPA requirements.
• Mechanical Insulation Industry: Manufacturers, installers, and suppliers of insulation products, who gain clearer eligibility for federal projects and potential market expansion.
• Energy Efficiency Advocates and Environmental Groups: Benefit from strengthened federal conservation policies.
• Taxpayers and the Public: Indirectly affected through efficiency-driven cost savings and reduced federal energy demands.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens NECPA by filling a gap in definitions, ensuring consistent application across federal buildings without creating new enforcement mechanisms. Relies on existing ASHRAE standards, which are voluntary industry benchmarks, avoiding the need for new regulations.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it operates within Congress's authority to regulate federal property and promote energy policy under the Commerce Clause.
• Political: Bipartisan support (evident from diverse sponsors) highlights consensus on practical energy savings. Could influence future legislation on green building practices, but raises no major controversies as it focuses on clarification rather than mandates or spending.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (36)

Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 411.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-481.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-481.
• 2025-12-03: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
• 2025-12-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-11-19: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
• 2025-11-19: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-05-15: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
• 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-05-15: Introduced in House
• 2025-05-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Federal Mechanical Insulation Act — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)
• Federal Mechanical Insulation Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (6 pages)