On March 26, 2009, Congressman Baron Hill (D-9th-IN) introduced H.R. 1749, the “Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009.” This bill was included within the House of Representatives omnibus energy package, H.R. 2454, the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” which passed the House on June 26th with a vote of 219-212. A provision of this bill is intended to encourage owners of pre-1976 manufactured homes to replace those homes with new energy efficient manufactured homes that meet Energy Star standards. The legislation would offer $7500 rebates which may be provided to facilitate the purchase of a new Energy Star qualified home.

On June 22, 2009, Senator Jon Tester (MT-D) introduced S. 1320, the “Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009”, the companion legislation to H.R. 1749 introduced by Representative Baron Hill (IN-9th-D). Stimulating the economy is high on the priority list for legislators in 2010. Senate leaders are currently crafting a multi-bill jobs agenda. MHI is advocating the inclusion of S. 1320, the “Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009” within the “Jobs for Main Street” package. A MHI representative has been invited to testify before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on behalf of the coalition supporting S. 1320, Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009.