Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 primarily reflects the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being referred in the Senate, including an update to the attesting clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made between these versions.
Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 25, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to eliminate federal programs and associated funding designed to incentivize and support the transition to electric appliances and energy-efficient building codes, thereby reversing key climate and energy policy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.
What it actually does
This bill repeals three sections of Public Law 117-169 (commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act) that established federal programs for high-efficiency electric home rebates, state-based home energy efficiency contractor training grants, and assistance for building energy code adoption. It also rescinds any unobligated funds associated with the rebate and building code assistance programs and makes a conforming amendment.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill eliminates unnecessary government spending and taxpayer subsidies that distort energy markets and impose federal preferences on consumer choices. They contend it promotes energy freedom by removing federal intervention in private decisions and contributes to deficit reduction by rescinding unobligated funds.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that repealing these provisions undermines critical efforts to combat climate change, reduce household energy costs, and promote energy independence. They contend that the programs being repealed provide crucial support for homeowners and contractors to adopt cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, and their elimination would hinder progress towards national climate and economic goals.
The bill text is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions and implications.
Section 2(a)(1)
Repeal of High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program
This provision eliminates a federal program established under the Inflation Reduction Act that provided rebates to homeowners for purchasing and installing high-efficiency electric appliances and systems, such as heat pumps, electric stoves, and electric water heaters. The program aimed to reduce household energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these rebates represent an overreach of government into private consumer decisions and distort market forces. They contend that taxpayers should not subsidize specific energy choices and that the program contributes to federal spending without sufficient justification.
Critics contend
Opponents assert that this program is vital for making energy-efficient electric upgrades affordable for low- and middle-income households, thereby reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. They argue its repeal would hinder climate goals and remove economic relief for families facing high energy costs.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances government intervention and market freedom against climate goals and consumer affordability for energy upgrades, highlighting a tension between fiscal conservatism and environmental policy.
Section 2(a)(2)
Repeal of State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants
This provision eliminates a federal grant program designed to support states in developing and implementing training programs for contractors involved in installing energy-efficient home improvements. These grants aimed to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for home energy efficiency upgrades, ensuring quality installations and market capacity.
Section 2(a)(3)
Repeal of Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption
This provision repeals a program that provided financial and technical assistance to states and local governments to adopt and implement the latest building energy codes, including those for zero-energy ready buildings. The program aimed to improve the energy efficiency of new and renovated buildings, reducing energy consumption, utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 2(b) and 2(c)
Rescission of Unobligated Balances and Conforming Amendment
This provision mandates the rescission of any unobligated funds previously appropriated for the high-efficiency electric home rebate program and the building energy code adoption assistance program. Additionally, it makes a technical amendment to another section of the original law (Public Law 117-169) to remove a reference to the now-repealed rebate program, ensuring consistency in the statutory language.