Bill > HR893

This bill, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, aims to increase the availability of heating and cooling assistance for low-income households. It does this by: - Significantly increasing funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), formerly known as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, from $2 billion to $400 billion over 10 years. - Creating a new $1 billion per year program to provide additional cooling assistance during heat waves. - Expanding eligibility for LIHEAP by increasing the income threshold to 250% of the federal poverty line or 80% of state median income. - Allowing for self-attestation of eligibility and waiving documentation requirements. - Placing new restrictions on home energy suppliers, such as prohibiting them from charging late fees or shutting off service to LIHEAP recipients. - Increasing funding for weatherization programs to 25% of LIHEAP funds. - Requiring the creation of a data tracking system to monitor energy arrears for eligible households. - Establishing a new $1 billion per year "HEAP Just Transition Grants" program to help states and local governments reduce energy burdens for eligible households in a way that supports a transition away from fossil fuels. The overall goal is to make home heating and cooling more affordable and accessible for low-income Americans, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.