Soto, Castor, Frankel, Frost, González Colón Introduce Bipartisan REBATE Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10) and Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR-At Large) introduced H.R.6536, the Reforming Energy-Efficient Buildings and Appliances Tax Exemptions (REBATE) Act to amend the Inflation Reduction Act and allow local governments to receive federal grants to carry out high-efficiency electric home rebate programs.

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan REBATE Act to allow Florida families access to programs that provide tax incentives if they transition to clean energy,” said Rep. Soto. “We passed the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — both bipartisan measures – to benefit working families and improve our nation for future generations. In Florida, we refuse to let politically-motivated vetoes get in the way of access to these programs.”    

“Floridians are being gouged by electric utilities in Florida, and Governor DeSantis’s veto of energy rebates has made it even more expensive for Florida families. Floridians could enjoy lower energy bills if we can unlock the resources to weatherize homes and purchase energy efficient appliances as the residents of other states are enjoying right now,” said Rep. Castor. “To put money back into the pockets of our neighbors, the REBATE Act enables local governments to receive and implement energy rebates and discounts in their communities. Democrats in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act to provide energy cost-savings to our neighbors. The REBATE Act would deliver those savings and avoid the higher costs imposed by Gov. DeSantis. Lower electric bills, new energy-efficient appliances and less pollution in the Sunshine State – a win, win, win.”

“The Inflation Reduction Act has provided millions of Americans with the opportunity to save money on energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades," said Rep. Frankel. "This bill would allow Florida communities to access the nearly $346 million in savings available to our state, helping families lower their energy costs and their carbon footprints." 

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a down payment on the clean energy future we deserve, empowering working people to be able to afford to make the transition to clean energy,” said Rep. Frost. “Governor DeSantis’s harmful decision to block hundreds of millions of federal dollars to help Florida families adopt clean energy makes it clear we cannot count on our state leadership to help us fight the climate crisis but we won’t take no for an answer. The REBATE Act is a critical step in ensuring that Floridians aren’t forced to pay the price of Ron DeSantis’s inaction to protect our planet.”

Earlier this year, due to a budget veto by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Office of Energy was forced to withdraw their application for these rebate programs and leave $346 million in eligible federal funds made available through the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on the table. With the REBATE Act, families in the state will have the opportunity to receive tax incentives if they upgrade their homes with energy-efficient appliances and transition to clean energy.

For the full text of the bill, please click here.

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