12 U.S.C. § 1701z–17 — Increasing access and understanding of energy efficient mortgages

(a) “Energy efficient mortgage” has the meaning in title 42 section 12704(24). (b)(1) Within 180 days after July 30, 2008, the HUD Secretary, Energy Secretary, and EPA Administrator must consult the residential mortgage industry and States and develop recommendations to remove barriers to availability, use, and purchase of such mortgages. They must address unreliable or inaccessible information, including energy-savings estimates; confusion about underwriting requirements and program differences; the complex and time-consuming process; lack of public research on default risk; and availability of certified or accredited home-energy-rating services. (2) The HUD Secretary must report to Congress summarizing the recommendations and including statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes the Secretary considers necessary. (c)(1) Consulting and coordinating with the Energy Secretary, EPA Administrator, and State^* energy and housing-finance directors, the HUD Secretary must conduct an education and outreach campaign for consumers, builders, lenders, and other real-estate professionals about the availability, benefits, and advantages of (A) improved housing energy efficiency and (B) energy-efficient mortgages. (2) Such sums as necessary are authorized to be appropriated for the campaign.