House Approves More Cuts to DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Investments

July 15, the House concluded lengthy debate on the annual appropriations bill to fund federal energy and water programs (H.R. 2354) , with a 219-196 vote in favor of passage. The bill would dramatically reduce investment in the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs, including DOE’s Biomass Program .

The bill would cut overall funding for the EERE programs by $491 million (27 percent) below FY 2011 levels. This would follow a cut of $407 million (18 percent) made earlier this year for FY 2011.

The Biomass Program, which is administered by EERE, would be cut $33 million (18 percent) below FY 2011 levels. The DOE Biomass Program supports research, development, and demonstration projects on advanced biofuels and biopower as described in the Biomass Multiyear program plan .

It is now up to the Senate to decide whether to sustain current national investments in EERE.