Congressional bills introduced to expand heat pump market

Written on: May 25, 2022 by ICM

Two bills in U.S. Congress were recently introduced to help create a robust U.S. market for heat pumps, including:

• “Installing Clean Efficient Energy Hastens Our Transition” or ICEE HOT Act (S. 4144) from Sen. Ed Markey, which creates a rebate program for distributors of HVAC, water heating and other equipment used to electrify buildings, and
• “Heating Efficiency and Affordability through Tax Relief Act,” or HEATR Act (S. 4139), from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, which would provide tax incentives for manufacturers to make heat pumps for both space and water heating.

“Far too many households across our state struggle to afford their heating costs. Families should not have to choose between paying for heat and other essential necessities,” said Klobuchar about her home state of Minnesota in a statement. “This legislation is a win-win – reducing energy costs for consumers, while strengthening access to clean, energy-efficient heating solutions. As we continue transitioning to a clean energy economy, increasing production of heat pumps will be critical to lowering emissions and helping families across our state get the affordable heating they need.”