The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act would create a grant program that will help nonprofits—including places of worship, faith-based organizations, and youth centers—afford the materials needed to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and generate renewable energy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help nonprofits save money on energy efficiency upgrades. The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act would create a grant program that will help nonprofits—including places of worship, faith-based organizations, and youth centers—afford the materials needed to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and generate renewable energy.

“Nonprofits, including places of worship, make tough choices everyday about their budgets and their resources. Energy efficiency upgrades save money in the long-term and free up resources that can be used to support their missions,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan legislation would help ensure that nonprofit organizations no longer have to choose between providing important community services and investing in energy efficiency improvements that both save money and provide environmental benefits.”

“Churches, schools and other nonprofit organizations provide important services to our communities,” Hoeven said. “This bipartisan legislation will help them to make their facilities more energy efficient, which not only conserves energy but will help them to save money so they can devote more of their resources to serving the public.” 

Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) have introduced companion legislation in the House.

The legislation would provide $10 million each year for the next five years to create a pilot grant program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) to support nonprofits in purchasing materials for energy efficiency projects. The grants would promote energy efficiency by supporting the purchase of materials for upgrades to existing infrastructure as well as renewable energy generators and heaters. Nonprofits could apply for grants up to $200,000. The legislation is supported by the National Council of Churches, the YMCA of the USA, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, among other organizations.

Last year, a provision based on Klobuchar and Hoeven’s Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act passed the Senate as part of the bipartisan energy bill.

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