Establishes weatherization and energy efficiency pilot program to address open cockloft space between certain buildings; appropriates $30 million.
Impact
The bill appropriates $30 million from the federal 'American Rescue Plan Act of 2021', with equal distributions of $10 million allocated to each of the three municipalities involved. This funding is dedicated to the identification and weatherization of buildings with open cockloft spaces, facilitating necessary upgrades to improve overall energy efficiency and fire safety. An essential requirement of the bill is the conducting of inventories of residential properties to ascertain which buildings would benefit from the proposed measures.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5247 aims to establish the 'Urban Area Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Pilot Program Act,' which focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and safety in urban residential buildings particularly impacted by cockloft spaces. The bill outlines a pilot program to be implemented in Union City, Trenton, and Camden, where open cockloft spaces create issues of energy inefficiency and pose substantial fire risks. By targeting these vulnerabilities, the bill seeks to improve utility management and safety in densely populated areas.
Contention
A significant aspect of the bill includes provisions for low- and moderate-income households, allowing qualifying homeowners to receive energy efficiency improvements at no cost. Otherwise, they can opt to fund such measures through a special property tax assessment payable in installments over ten years. The balance between providing financial support for low-income families and the long-term financial implications for non-qualifying property owners could lead to discussions or disagreements on the program's sustainability and fairness. Furthermore, concerns may arise regarding the efficiency and efficacy of the pilot program's implementation, which requires local municipalities to collaborate with private entities, possibly raising questions about regulatory compliance and oversight.
Same As
Establishes weatherization and energy efficiency pilot program to address open cockloft space between certain buildings; appropriates $30 million.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy and energy efficiency programs for overburdened communities.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.