During the month-long August recess, assistance is needed from MHI members to personally contact their Senators and specifically request they cosponsor, the “Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act” (S. 1320). There continues to be a lack of formal Republican support for the bill because of the cost associated with underwriting the measure. Given the current partisan political climate, Republican support of the measure becomes all the more critical. Without bi-partisan support passage of the bill is unlikely.

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MHI staff is continuing to work to identify opportunities to attach the “Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act” (S. 1320) to larger legislative vehicles that Congress may be considering later this year.

Specifically the bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) 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 home owners 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.

If you are a member and have questions, contact MHI Vice President of Political and Legislative Affairs Rae Ann Bevington at rbevington@mfghome.org.