On August 5, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted the Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act (S. 1320), which provides rebates of up to $7,500 to purchasers of new Energy Star-qualified manufactured homes. The measure now awaits floor consideration. The House passed companion legislation (H.R. 5019) in May.
The bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) with considerable input and support from MHI, would provide owners of manufactured homes constructed prior to 1976 with a one-time only rebate of up to $7,500 to use towards the purchase of a new Energy Star-qualified manufactured home. In addition, the bill would allow homeowners to receive grants of up to $2,500 to cover the additional cost of removing and recycling the old home. To qualify for assistance, owners could not have a total household income in excess of 200 percent of an area’s poverty level.
The legislation permits those replacing pre-76 mobile homes with Energy Star homes to also receive up to $6,500 in additional American Recovery and Renewal Act (ARRA) Weatherization Assistance funds.
For additional information, contact MHI Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs Rae Ann Bevington at 703-558-0675 or rbevington@mfghome.org.
