Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4758
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R. 4758) aims to eliminate certain federal subsidies and programs established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) that provided taxpayer-funded support for home electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. It seeks to reduce government spending on these initiatives by repealing specific provisions and rescinding unspent funds.
Key Provisions
- Repeals of Specific Programs:
- Section 50122: Ends the high-efficiency electric home rebate program, which offered rebates to homeowners for purchasing energy-efficient electric appliances and equipment like heat pumps and electric panels.
- Section 50123: Terminates state-based grants for training home energy efficiency contractors, which supported workforce development in installing energy-saving technologies.
- Section 50131: Removes assistance to states and local governments for adopting the latest or zero-energy building codes, which encourage new constructions to use minimal or no fossil fuels.
- Rescission of Funds: Cancels any unspent (unobligated) money allocated to the high-efficiency electric home rebate program (Section 50122) and building energy code assistance (Section 50131), redirecting those funds away from the programs.
- Conforming Amendment: Updates a related section (50121(c)(7)) in the Inflation Reduction Act by deleting a reference to the now-repealed rebate program, ensuring consistency in the law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act directly reverses parts of the Inflation Reduction Act by:
- Dismantling three targeted programs focused on promoting electrification and efficiency in residential buildings.
- Forfeiting unallocated funds, which could free up budget resources but ends ongoing or planned support for these initiatives.
- Making a minor technical edit to avoid inconsistencies in the broader energy rebate framework under the original law.
No new programs or funding are introduced; the focus is solely on repeal and rescission.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal entities will no longer administer or fund these programs, potentially reducing administrative burdens and saving taxpayer dollars (estimated based on rescinded unobligated balances, though exact amounts are not specified in the bill).
- On Citizens: Homeowners lose access to rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, which could increase upfront costs for electrification projects and slow adoption of green technologies in homes. Contractors and states may see reduced training and adoption support, affecting local energy efficiency efforts.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may signal a U.S. policy shift away from aggressive climate goals, potentially influencing global perceptions of American commitment to reducing emissions through residential energy transitions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Homeowners and Consumers: Directly impacted by the loss of financial incentives for home improvements.
- Energy Contractors and Workforce: Training grants end, potentially limiting job growth in the energy efficiency sector.
- State and Local Governments: Lose funding for building code updates, which could delay or hinder energy-saving regulations.
- Federal Government (e.g., DOE): Responsible for implementing the repeals and managing fund rescissions.
- Environmental and Industry Groups: Advocacy organizations for clean energy may oppose the changes, while fiscal conservatives or industry opponents of subsidies could support them.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The repeals are straightforward and within Congress's authority to amend prior laws, but they could lead to challenges if ongoing grants or contracts are disrupted (e.g., via administrative law claims). The rescission of unobligated funds aligns with congressional budgeting powers under the Constitution's Appropriations Clause.
- Constitutional: No major issues; it respects separation of powers by using legislative repeal rather than executive action.
- Political: Highlights ongoing debates over federal spending on climate initiatives versus fiscal restraint. As a partisan bill (passed by the House in a Republican-led Congress), it could face Senate resistance or veto, reflecting broader tensions on energy policy and the role of government subsidies in promoting sustainability.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-02-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-25: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 199, 1 Present (Roll no. 78). (text: CR H2301) (Roll call 78)
- 2026-02-25: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 199, 1 Present (Roll no. 78). (text: CR H2301) (Roll call 78)
- 2026-02-25: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 208 (Roll no. 77). (Roll call 77)
- 2026-02-25: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
- 2026-02-25: Ms. Castor (FL) moved to recommit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (CR H2305)
- 2026-02-25: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- 2026-02-25: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4758.
- 2026-02-25: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4626 and H.R. 4758. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4626 and H.R. 4758 under a closed rule with one motion to recommit for each bill. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on each bill.
- 2026-02-25: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1075. (consideration: CR H2301-2306)
- 2026-02-24: Rule H. Res. 1075 passed House.
- 2026-02-24: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1075 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4626 and H.R. 4758. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4626 and H.R. 4758 under a closed rule with one motion to recommit for each bill. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on each bill.
- 2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 414.
- 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-484.
Bill Versions
- Homeowner Energy Freedom Act — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Homeowner Energy Freedom Act — issued 2025-07-25 — PDF (2 pages)
- Homeowner Energy Freedom Act — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (3 pages)
- Homeowner Energy Freedom Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (6 pages)