95-13437. Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 107 (Monday, June 5, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 29469-29481]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-13437]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    
    Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
    
    10 CFR Part 440
    
    [Docket No. EE-RM-94-401]
    
    
    Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
    
    AGENCY: Department of Energy.
    
    ACTION: Interim final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) is today publishing an interim 
    final rule amending the regulations for the Weatherization Assistance 
    Program for Low-Income Persons to change the formula used to distribute 
    funds among the States under the Program. DOE issued the Notice of 
    Proposed Rulemaking pursuant to the Conference Report on the Department 
    of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1995 which 
    accompanied Pub. L. [[Page 29470]] 103-332 and premised the 
    implementation of the proposed formula on specific language contained 
    in that report. DOE is issuing this document as an interim final rule 
    because of Congressional budgetary issues that have surfaced since the 
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published on January 23, 1995. The 
    Department has made appropriate revisions in this interim final rule to 
    accommodate possible rescissions to Fiscal Year 1995 appropriations to 
    the Program.
        The new formula increases the overall equity, among the States, of 
    fund allocations under the program regulations, while at the same time 
    preserving existing State program capabilities. The principal criteria 
    in the formula reflect: Number of low-income households by State, 
    climatic conditions using weather data by State, and residential energy 
    expenditures by low-income households by State.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: July 5, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Reamy, Weatherization Assistance 
    Program Division, U.S. Department of Energy, Mail Stop EE-532, 1000 
    Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 426-1698.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Introduction
    
        The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) is amending its 
    regulations to change the formula used to distribute funds for the 
    Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons Program, which 
    is authorized by Title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act 
    (Act) 42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq. and is codified in 10 CFR part 440. The 
    Program is also subject to the DOE general financial assistance 
    regulations in 10 CFR part 600.
        Since 1976, the Department of Energy has operated one of the 
    nation's largest energy conservation programs--the Weatherization 
    Assistance Program. The goal of the Program is to reduce heating and 
    cooling costs for low-income families. The program improves the energy 
    efficiency of the homes of low-income families, reducing their energy 
    consumption, lowering their fuel bills, increasing the comfort of the 
    homes, and insuring health and safety. This Program is critical to low-
    income populations who are particularly vulnerable--the elderly, 
    persons with disabilities, and children.
        The Program is administered by all 50 States, the District of 
    Columbia, and certain Indian tribes, which in turn fund nearly 1,200 
    local agencies to provide weatherization services to eligible low-
    income persons. Based on priorities identified by energy audits 
    conducted by local agencies and other weatherization service providers, 
    energy efficiency measures are installed, including modifications to 
    the heating and cooling systems. Consistent with the Act, the Program 
    focuses particularly on the housing of low-income children, elderly, 
    and disabled persons. 42 U.S.C. 6861(b).
        The formula increases the overall equity, among the States, of fund 
    allocations under the Program regulations, while at the same time 
    preserving existing State program capabilities. The Department is 
    taking this action based in part on the response to a Notice of 
    Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) published by DOE in the Federal Register on 
    January 23, 1995, 60 FR 4480. In addition to accepting written comments 
    on the NOPR, DOE held two public hearings to solicit oral testimony.
        In the Conference Report on the Department of Interior and Related 
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995, the conference committee stated that 
    sufficient funds were being made available to permit DOE to revise the 
    formula. H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 740, 103rd Cong., 2nd Sess. 50 (1994). The 
    intent of the Congress was to provide warmer-weather States a greater 
    share of the funding, while protecting the Program capacity developed 
    over the years by colder-weather States. DOE believes that the formula 
    in the interim final rule satisfies this intent and is consistent with 
    the requirements of the Act.
        The Act requires DOE to allocate funds to States based on the 
    relative need for weatherization assistance among low-income persons 
    throughout the States, taking into account the following factors: (1) 
    The number of dwelling units to be weatherized; (2) the climatic 
    conditions in each State which may include annual degree days; (3) the 
    various types of weatherization work to be done; and (4) other factors 
    as determined by DOE, such as the cost of heating and cooling. 42 
    U.S.C. 6864(a).
        In order to allocate funds under the old formula i.e., (the 
    existing formula being revised today) each year, DOE applied the 
    formula in old 10 CFR 440.10(b) to the amount of funds remaining after 
    training and technical assistance funds were subtracted from the annual 
    appropriation. The old formula established for each State a minimum 
    base grant level of $100,000 (Alaska received an additional $100,000). 
    The remaining available funds were allocated by a mathematical formula 
    which took into account heating/cooling degree days, total residential 
    energy use for space heating/cooling, the number of low-income owner-
    occupied dwelling units, and the number of low-income renter occupied 
    dwelling units in the State. This basic formula had remained unchanged 
    since 1977. Data used in the formula for weather, residential energy 
    use, and population were however updated several times. The data for 
    program year 1993 were updated to include the 1990 census data.
        As revised today, the new formula includes three elements: The 
    number of low-income households below 125 percent of the poverty level, 
    giving equal weight to owners and renters; climatic conditions across 
    the country using heating and cooling degree days; and residential 
    energy expenditures per low-income household per State.
        The new formula buffers States from serious losses in program 
    capacity, while at the same time allowing warmer-States to gain the 
    benefits of a new formula. Consistent with these two objectives, the 
    formula implementation establishes a fixed base amount of funds for 
    each State that is derived from the amount received for the fiscal year 
    1993, while remaining funds will be distributed pursuant to the 
    formula. Fiscal year 1993 was used to fix the base amounts because it 
    was the most recent available data when Congress passed the fiscal year 
    1995 appropriation.
    
    II. Amendments to the Weatherization Assistance Program Formula and 
    Discussion of Public Comments
    
        This part of the Supplementary Information discusses, where 
    appropriate, the proposed changes to the regulations, comments received 
    pertaining to the proposed changes, and the DOE final action.
    
    Section 440.3  Definitions
    
        No comments were received on the definitions and without change the 
    Department is finalizing the proposed amendments to Sec. 440.3.
        DOE amends this section by deleting the references to the old 
    formula which are not a part of the new formula. The definitions 
    deleted are: ``Number of owner-occupied units in the State''; ``number 
    of low-income, renter-occupied dwelling units in the State''; 
    ``percentage of total residential energy used for space cooling''; and 
    ``percentage of total residential energy used for space heating''.
        Additionally, several definitions are added to Sec. 440.3 which 
    describe the new criteria to be used in the new formula. DOE adds a 
    definition of ``base allocation,'' as set forth in Sec. 440.10(b)(1), 
    which refers to the fixed base amount each State receives. That amount 
    is [[Page 29471]] derived from each State's fiscal year 1993 allocation 
    of funds.
        DOE also adds definitions of ``program allocation'' and ``total 
    program allocations.'' The former represents the amount of funds (base 
    allocation plus formula allocation) to be distributed to each State. 
    The latter refers to the annual appropriation less funds reserved for 
    training and technical assistance.
    
    Section 440.10(b)  Allocation of Funds
    
        DOE deletes the old formula in Sec. 440.10(b) and replaces it with 
    the new formula set forth in revised Sec. 440.10(b). Paragraph (b)(1) 
    of Sec. 440.10 provides for a program allocation (PA) for each State 
    consisting of two parts. The two parts are: (1) A fixed amount of money 
    (derived from the State's FY 1993 allocation), which is referred to as 
    a State's ``Base Allocation'' (BA) (See Table 1); and (2) an amount of 
    money referred to as the ``Formula Allocation'' (FA), which is 
    determined by application of the new formula.
        As mentioned earlier, DOE held two public hearings on the NOPR. Ten 
    of the eleven speakers offered testimony in support of the proposed 
    formula. One speaker expressed concern over the source of weather data 
    in the form of heating and cooling degree days which was addressed in 
    the proposed formula, but not specifically in the data. Additionally, 
    the Department received 9 written comments generally supporting the 
    formula change. However, 2 of the 9 written comments, while generally 
    supporting the formula change, expressed concern about current and 
    future funding levels, including possible Congressional budgetary 
    actions on fiscal year 1995 appropriations and their effect on 
    implementation. These commenters reserved the right to withdraw their 
    support if funding levels are revised. Two commenters was generally 
    non-supportive of the change as proposed.
        One comment proposed that all funds above the fiscal year 1993 
    program allocation be provided to those States that would gain under 
    the proposed formula; no other State would receive additional funds 
    until ``the previously disadvantaged States (i.e. warmer-weather 
    States) achieve equity.'' Thereafter, the Program Allocation equation 
    would be applied to all States. In making this proposal, however, the 
    comment erroneously argues that colder-weather States would lose no 
    money because they would remain at the current Base Allocation. In 
    fact, limiting these States to their fiscal year 1993 base allocation 
    would lower their program funds because they would not benefit from 
    later higher increases in funding levels for the Program. DOE disagrees 
    that the new formula ``assumes historic equity of the funding 
    allocation'' since the new formula does shift a greater share of funds 
    to warmer-weather States. The new formula embodies congressional intent 
    of allowing for a more equitable apportionment of funds while 
    protecting program capacity of any State. For these reasons, DOE does 
    not believe that the formula implementation contained in the notice of 
    proposed rulemaking should be modified as suggested by this commenter.
        One comment questioned the appropriateness of multiplying F2 
    (climate) and F3 (energy expenditures). The comment argued that these 
    factors are so similar that the outcome is similar to the old formula, 
    presumably the squaring (or multiplying together) of degree days. Our 
    analysis of weather and expenditure factors, however, indicates that 
    there is not much similarity between these two factors; that is, the 
    analysis indicated that the weather factor is not very indicative of 
    energy expenditures. As a result, DOE concludes that these two factors 
    represent two distinct elements contributing to the need for 
    weatherization assistance by low-income households. Throughout its 
    history, the Program has been concerned with both the need for energy 
    generated by weather conditions and the importance of helping low-
    income households afford their energy bills. Adding these elements, as 
    suggested by the comment, would reduce the relative importance of each 
    in the new formula allocation.
        The same comment expressed concern that the new formula does not 
    protect program capacity developed over the years by colder-weather 
    States. This comment contends that the new formula provides a greater 
    share of funds to warmer-weather States and that the formula 
    disproportionally affects the distribution of funds. The comment thus 
    concludes that the new formula does not ``work if it requires a hold 
    harmless clause to meet the intent of Congress.'' DOE notes here that 
    the formula did not include a ``hold harmless clause,'' per se. 
    Moreover, the proposed formula as a whole balances congressional intent 
    of maintaining program capacity and apportioning funds more equitably 
    among the States. Under the formula, no State loses more than one-half 
    of one-percent of FY 1994 funds unless total program allocations fall 
    below $220 million. All States gain when funds rise above this amount. 
    Changing individual pieces of the formula would disrupt this balance. 
    Likewise, although the base allocation could be changed, changing this 
    element of the formula would alter the resulting overall balance.
        One comment recommended including only cooling degree days (CDDs) 
    associated with an unspecified level of extreme high temperatures and 
    formulation of the formula so that no ``cold-weather'' State would have 
    an ``energy factor'' less than one (1). The formula does not have an 
    energy factor per se. Colder States, in fact, do have weather factors 
    greater than one. When relatively lower formula shares result for 
    colder-weather States, it is due to fewer low-income households or 
    lower energy prices.
        Another comment indicated dissatisfaction with the methods used by 
    the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to calculate 
    heating and cooling degree days. However, the comment did not offer a 
    viable alternative that could be readily adopted. DOE notes that this 
    rule cannot govern NOAA calculations, but that it does provide a 
    mechanism for updating the data for the formula factors, including 
    weather data.
        One comment recommended eliminating the energy expenditure factor 
    to avoid ``taking into account the constant fluctuation in fuel 
    prices.'' Energy expenditures are consumption multiplied by price. 
    Review of recent changes in State energy prices, consumption, and 
    resulting energy expenditures indicates that the impact of fluctuations 
    in any of these factors on final State shares tends to be relatively 
    small. In fact, because price and consumption changes in any given year 
    are often partially offsetting, percentage changes in expenditures from 
    year to year tend to be smaller than changes in consumption.
        Another comment recommended that DOE phase in the formula over a 
    five year period to correct for fluctuations in funding formula 
    factors. This recommendation was based on the premise that it would 
    take several years before it could be determined if the proposed 
    formula needs to be adjusted. While there will be some fluctuation from 
    year to year, the comment merely speculated that the degree of 
    fluctuation warranted adding a complex adjustment to the formula. DOE 
    agrees that there will be some fluctuation from year to year. However, 
    DOE's analysis reveals no wide degree of fluctuation that would disrupt 
    the Program. Thus, no change has been made in the implementation of the 
    new formula. However, DOE will be monitoring the year to year 
    fluctuations in the allocations. If these fluctuations are 
    [[Page 29472]] significant and persistent, DOE should be able to 
    identify whether a formula factor is the cause and would act to remedy 
    the problem.
        One comment suggested continuing to count the families in multi-
    family buildings as one-half a household. Although households in multi-
    family buildings tend to use less energy than households in single-
    family homes, these and other differences in energy use are reflected 
    in the energy expenditure factor F3. Therefore, no change needs to be 
    made.
        Revised Sec. 440.10(b) maintains the current capacity of States to 
    deliver weatherization services and sustains the strong network 
    developed for this purpose by minimizing the impact of the formula 
    change on colder-weather States. Those States would otherwise face 
    layoffs of weatherization crews that would severely restrict their 
    ability to provide reasonable weatherization services to their low-
    income residents.
        For all the reasons set forth above, DOE has made no substantive 
    changes in the proposed Sec. 440.10(b).
    
    Summary of Revised Formula
    
        An explanation of the revised allocated allocation formula is set 
    forth below. This explanation is based on the summary provided in the 
    notice of proposed rulemaking, with minor clarifying changes. The 
    figures contained in Tables 1 through 5 are based on available data as 
    of fiscal year 1995. Depending upon changes in data available 
    thereafter, some of these figures may change periodically. See 
    Sec. 440.10(e) for further information pertaining to updates.
        The program allocation is expressed mathematically as:
    
    PA=BA+FA
    
    Base Allocation
    
        Table 1 presents the ``Base Allocation'' for each State.
    
                     Table 1.--``Base Allocation'' By State                 
                                                                            
                                                                            
    Alabama...................................................     1,636,000
    Alaska....................................................     1,425,000
    Arkansas..................................................     1,417,000
    Arizona...................................................       760,000
    California................................................     4,404,000
    Colorado..................................................     4,574,000
    Connecticut...............................................     1,887,000
    Delaware..................................................       409,000
    District of Columbia......................................       487,000
    Florida...................................................       761,000
    Georgia...................................................     1,844,000
    Hawaii....................................................       120,000
    Idaho.....................................................     1,618,000
    Illinois..................................................    10,717,000
    Indiana...................................................     5,156,000
    Iowa......................................................     4,032,000
    Kansas....................................................     1,925,000
    Kentucky..................................................     3,615,000
    Louisiana.................................................       912,000
    Maine.....................................................     2,493,000
    Maryland..................................................     1,963,000
    Massachusetts.............................................     5,111,000
    Michigan..................................................    12,346,000
    Minnesota.................................................     8,342,000
    Mississippi...............................................     1,094,000
    Missouri..................................................     4,615,000
    Montana...................................................     2,123,000
    Nebraska..................................................     2,013,000
    Nevada....................................................       586,000
    New Hampshire.............................................     1,193,000
    New Jersey................................................     3,775,000
    New Mexico................................................     1,519,000
    New York..................................................    15,302,000
    North Carolina............................................     2,853,000
    North Dakota..............................................     2,105,000
    Ohio......................................................    10,665,000
    Oklahoma..................................................     1,846,000
    Oregon....................................................     2,320,000
    Pennsylvania..............................................    11,457,000
    Rhode Island..............................................       878,000
    South Carolina............................................     1,130,000
    South Dakota..............................................     1,561,000
    Tennessee.................................................     3,218,000
    Texas.....................................................     2,999,000
    Utah......................................................     1,692,000
    Vermont...................................................     1,014,000
    Virginia..................................................     2,970,000
    Washington................................................     3,775,000
    West Virginia.............................................     2,573,000
    Wisconsin.................................................     7,061,000
    Wyoming...................................................       967,000
                                                                            
                                                               -------------
        Total.................................................   171,258,000
    
    Formula Allocation
    
        The amount of total Formula Allocations (the amount which will be 
    distributed among States based on the new formula) is calculated by 
    subtracting total Base Allocations ($171,258,000) from the total 
    Program Allocations. For example, if the amount of total Program 
    Allocations is $200,000,000, the amount of total Formula Allocations 
    would be $28,742,000 ($200,000,000-$171,258,000).
        The Formula Allocation for each State is calculated by multiplying 
    the total amount of Formula Allocations by each State's Formula Share, 
    which is determined by the new formula.
    
    Formula Factors
    
        The new formula is composed of three factors for each State. The 
    first factor (F1) is the population factor. The next factor (F2) 
    represents the climatic conditions in each State, derived from heating 
    and cooling degree days. The last factor (F3) is residential energy 
    expenditures by low-income households in each State.
    
    F1 Population Factor
    
        The first factor in the new formula is the population factor. This 
    is represented by the share of the Nation's low-income households in 
    each State expressed as a percentage. Unlike the old formula, the new 
    formula gives equal weight to owners and renters. The number of low-
    income households was obtained from a special run by the Bureau of the 
    Census for the Department of Energy, referenced as ``Households at 125% 
    or less, Special Tab #54, Census Bureau''.
    
    F1--State Population Factor
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.004
    
    
        Table 2 presents the number of low-income households and the 
    population factor (F1) for each State.
        Table Explanation
        Column A--State Name.
        Column B--Number of Low-Income Households per State.
        Column C--State Population Factor (F1)--is calculated by dividing 
    the number of low-income households in a given State (Column B) by the 
    national total (16,231,250--shown at the bottom of the table) and 
    multiplied by 100.
    
                                                                            
    [[Page 29473]]
                    Table 2.--Low-Income Households by State                
                                                                            
                                                                 Percent of 
                                                    Number of   national low-
                        State                       low-income     income   
                                                    households   households 
                                                                    (F1)    
    A                                                        B        C     
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alabama......................................      386,525        2.3814
    Alaska.......................................       21,729        0.1339
    Arizona......................................      261,161        1.6090
    Arkansas.....................................      240,155        1.4796
    California...................................    1,525,061        9.3958
    Colorado.....................................      206,052        1.2695
    Connecticut..................................      120,483        0.7423
    Delaware.....................................       31,028        0.1912
    District of Columbia.........................       46,438        0.2861
    Florida......................................      879,786        5.4203
    Georgia......................................      471,834        2.9069
    Hawaii.......................................       40,856        0.2517
    Idaho........................................       69,204        0.4264
    Illinois.....................................      657,508        4.0509
    Indiana......................................      327,581        2.0182
    Iowa.........................................      184,021        1.1337
    Kansas.......................................      163,891        1.0097
    Kentucky.....................................      357,665        2.2036
    Louisiana....................................      442,320        2.7251
    Maine........................................       80,276        0.4946
    Maryland.....................................      196,788        1.2124
    Massachusetts................................      313,297        1.9302
    Michigan.....................................      598,427        3.6869
    Minnesota....................................      247,149        1.5227
    Mississippi..................................      294,611        1.8151
    Missouri.....................................      377,864        2.3280
    Montana......................................       68,456        0.4218
    Nebraska.....................................      104,707        0.6451
    Nevada.......................................       64,869        0.3997
    New Hampshire................................       43,406        0.2674
    New Jersey...................................      303,328        1.8688
    New Mexico...................................      135,642        0.8357
    New York.....................................    1,138,016        7.0113
    North Carolina...............................      489,172        3.0138
    North Dakota.................................       51,103        0.3148
    Ohio.........................................      705,646        4.3475
    Oklahoma.....................................      284,883        1.7552
    Oregon.......................................      191,508        1.1799
    Pennsylvania.................................      725,124        4.4675
    Rhode Island.................................       57,155        0.3521
    South Carolina...............................      274,749        1.6927
    South Dakota.................................       56,917        0.3507
    Tennessee....................................      418,703        2.5796
    Texas........................................    1,345,471        8.2894
    Utah.........................................       88,775        0.5469
    Vermont......................................       32,563        0.2006
    Virginia.....................................      333,824        2.0567
    Washington...................................      280,943        1.7309
    West Virginia................................      184,759        1.1383
    Wisconsin....................................      279,527        1.7222
    Wyoming......................................       30,294        0.1866
                                                  --------------------------
    National Total...............................   16,231,250      100     
    
    F2 Climate Factor
    
        The second factor, climatic conditions, is obtained by adding the 
    heating and cooling degree days for each State, treating the energy 
    needed for heating and cooling proportionately.
        The new formula uses (as did the old formula) the thirty year 
    averages of heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD) as 
    reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
    to account for climatic conditions. Heating and cooling consumption 
    data were obtained from Table 28 of the Energy Information 
    Administration's (EIA) Household Energy Consumption and Expenditures 
    1990.
    
    State Climate Factor
        F2=HDD State Ratio+CDD State Ratio [[Page 29474]] 
    
    HDD and CDD Ratios
    
    State HDD Ratio
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.000
    
    
    State CDD Ratio
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.001
    
    
    where
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.002
    
    
        National heating consumption equals 4.79 quadrillion Btu and air 
    conditioning (cooling) consumption equals .49 quadrillion Btu. Cooling 
    consumption divided by heating consumption rounds to 0.1. The ratio of 
    cooling to heating energy consumption reflects the fact that nationally 
    households use, on average, one tenth as much energy for cooling as for 
    heating. This ratio is reflected in the old allocation formula. 
    National data are used because of the absence of complete State-
    specific data.
        In order to account for the variation in weather in a simple but 
    equitable manner, DOE compares each State's climate to the national 
    median. Each State's HDD and CDD is divided by the series' median 
    value. Using the median as the denominator ensures that half of the 
    States would fall above 1 and half would fall below 1. A State HDD 
    ratio (HDD divided by the median) greater than 1 indicates a State with 
    relatively cold winters, while a value greater than 1 for a State's CDD 
    ratio indicates a State with a relatively warmer summer. To find the 
    median of any odd series of numbers, the series is arranged in 
    ascending order and the value that occurs in the middle of the series 
    is chosen. The series relevant to F2 is odd because it consists of the 
    50 States and the District of Columbia. The median value occurs at the 
    26th observation (State). The median was chosen, rather than the mean, 
    because of its characteristic of being ``insensitive'' to extreme 
    values. States like Alaska and Florida tend to skew or pull the average 
    towards one extreme or another. In calculating the heating and cooling 
    ratios the old formula multiplied each State's HDD's by the national 
    space heating consumption and its CDD's by the national air 
    conditioning (cooling) consumption. The new formula simplifies this 
    calculation by combining these two numbers into one by dividing cooling 
    consumption by heating consumption (as reported in Table 28 of the 
    Household Energy Consumption and Expenditures 1990). Each State's CDD 
    ratio is multiplied by this one number (which rounds to 0.1). The final 
    climate factor for each State is then the sum of the HDD and CDD 
    ratios.
        Table 3 presents the data used to calculate the climate factor (F2) 
    for each State.
        Table Explanation
        Column A--State Name.
        Column B--State heating degree days (HDD) as reported by the NOAA.
        Column C--State HDD Ratio, calculated by dividing each State's HDD 
    by the national median (5,429.9--as shown on the bottom of Table 2).
        Column D--State cooling degree days (CDD) as reported by the NOAA.
        Column E--State CDD divided by the national median (867.3--as shown 
    on the bottom of Table 2).
        Column F--State CDD Ratio, calculated by multiplying Column E by 
    the ratio of cooling consumption to heating consumption, which is 0.1.
        Column G--State Climate Factor (F2), calculated by summing each 
    State's HDD and CDD ratios.
    
                                             Table 3.--Weather Data by State                                        
                                                                                                                    
                                                Heating                 Cooling       CDD                   Climate 
                      State                     degree     HDD ratio    degree    divided by   CDD ratio    factor  
                                                 days                    days     the median                 (F2)   
    A                                                  B           C           D           E           F           G
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alabama.................................     2,853.8       0.526     1,855.9       2.140       0.214       0.740
    Alaska..................................    11,475.2       2.113         1.9       0.002       0.000       2.114
    Arizona.................................     2,232.6       0.411     2,695.4       3.108       0.311       0.722
    Arkansas................................     3,365.0       0.620     1,801.2       2.077       0.208       0.827
    California..............................     2,663.3       0.490       824.4       0.951       0.095       0.586
    Colorado................................     7,264.0       1.338       280.4       0.323       0.032       1.370
    Connecticut.............................     6,122.4       1.128       526.6       0.607       0.061       1.188
    Delaware................................     4,741.7       0.873     1,034.4       1.193       0.119       0.993
    District of Columbia....................     4,785.7       0.881     1,008.5       1.163       0.116       0.998
    Florida.................................       715.6       0.132     3,365.1       3.880       0.388       0.520
    Georgia.................................     2,842.0       0.523     1,705.7       1.967       0.197       0.720
    Hawaii..................................         0.0       0.000     3,528.0       4.068       0.407       0.407
    Idaho...................................     6,960.0       1.282       434.9       0.501       0.050       1.332
    Illinois................................     6,254.3       1.152       894.3       1.031       0.103       1.255
    Indiana.................................     5,906.8       1.088       891.7       1.028       0.103       1.191
    Iowa....................................     6,894.6       1.270       867.3       1.000       0.100       1.370
    Kansas..................................     4,990.9       0.919     1,490.4       1.718       0.172       1.091
    [[Page 29475]]
                                                                                                                    
    Kentucky................................     4,566.8       0.841     1,174.4       1.354       0.135       0.976
    Louisiana...............................     1,826.1       0.336     2,550.0       2.940       0.294       0.630
    Maine...................................     8,069.2       1.486       215.6       0.249       0.025       1.511
    Maryland................................     4,785.7       0.881     1,008.5       1.163       0.116       0.998
    Massachusetts...........................     6,404.5       1.179       434.6       0.501       0.050       1.230
    Michigan................................     6,837.5       1.259       565.7       0.652       0.065       1.324
    Minnesota...............................     8,687.0       1.600       487.3       0.562       0.056       1.656
    Mississippi.............................     2,549.5       0.470     2,094.4       2.415       0.241       0.711
    Missouri................................     5,127.4       0.944     1,282.2       1.478       0.148       1.092
    Montana.................................     8,144.8       1.500       259.4       0.299       0.030       1.530
    Nebraska................................     6,412.3       1.181     1,052.0       1.213       0.121       1.302
    Nevada..................................     4,260.1       0.785     1,572.0       1.813       0.181       0.966
    New Hampshire...........................     7,594.6       1.399       289.4       0.334       0.033       1.432
    New Jersey..............................     5,429.9       1.000       774.6       0.893       0.089       1.089
    New Mexico..............................     4,714.2       0.868       890.2       1.026       0.103       0.971
    New York................................     5,960.8       1.098       641.4       0.740       0.074       1.172
    North Carolina..........................     3,492.2       0.643     1,366.3       1.575       0.158       0.801
    North Dakota............................     9,382.8       1.728       471.7       0.544       0.054       1.782
    Ohio....................................     5,932.2       1.093       740.2       0.853       0.085       1.178
    Oklahoma................................     3,593.3       0.662     1,941.6       2.239       0.224       0.886
    Oregon..................................     5,228.6       0.963       207.0       0.239       0.024       0.987
    Pennsylvania............................     5,920.7       1.090       659.2       0.760       0.076       1.166
    Rhode Island............................     5,942.0       1.094       457.2       0.527       0.053       1.147
    South Carolina..........................     2,768.2       0.510     1,787.0       2.060       0.206       0.716
    South Dakota............................     7,613.7       1.402       804.6       0.928       0.093       1.495
    Tennessee...............................     4,005.8       0.738     1,337.5       1.542       0.154       0.892
    Texas...................................     2,039.7       0.376     2,623.2       3.025       0.302       0.678
    Utah....................................     6,451.3       1.188       694.7       0.801       0.080       1.268
    Vermont.................................     7,970.9       1.468       280.5       0.323       0.032       1.500
    Virginia................................     4,402.4       0.811     1,052.4       1.213       0.121       0.932
    Washington..............................     5,636.0       1.038       174.9       0.202       0.020       1.058
    West Virginia...........................     5,271.5       0.971       766.5       0.884       0.088       1.059
    Wisconsin...............................     7,679.2       1.414       502.5       0.579       0.058       1.472
    Wyoming.................................     8,081.3       1.488       308.5       0.356       0.036       1.524
                                                                                                                    
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Median..................................     5,429.9  ..........       867.3  ..........  ..........  ..........
    
    F3 Residential Energy Expenditure Factor
    
        The final factor, residential energy expenditures by low-income 
    households was determined to be the closest approximation, given 
    available data, of the financial burden to low-income households of 
    energy use. Based on the same reasoning as discussed for the climate 
    factor, the national median is used to calculate the State residential 
    energy expenditure factors.
    
    State Residential Energy Expenditure Factor
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.005
    
    
        Due to the lack of State specific data on residential energy 
    expenditures by low-income households, an estimate is calculated based 
    on the published data that is available. Specifically, available 
    residential energy expenditures data at the State level does not 
    distinguish between low-income households and the overall population. 
    Information on residential energy expenditures by low-income households 
    is available at the Census division level. The nine Census divisions 
    including the States contained therein are shown below. Comparing each 
    State's average household residential energy expenditures with the 
    average household residential energy expenditures at its Census 
    division level provides a means of allocating the Census division low-
    income residential energy expenditures to each State within that 
    division.
    
                                                                                                                    
    [[Page 29476]]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Census division                    State abbreviations        
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Northeast (NE).....................  CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT             
    Mid-Atlantic (MA)..................  NJ, NY, PA                         
    South Atlantic (SA)................  DC, DE, MD, VA, WV, FL, GA, SC, NC 
    East North Central (ENC)...........  IL, IN, MI, OH, WI                 
    East South Central (ESC)...........  AL, KY, MS, TN                     
    West North Central (WNC)...........  IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD         
    West South Central (WSC)...........  AR, LA, OK, TX                     
    Mountain (MN)......................  AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY     
    Pacific (PAC)......................  AK, CA, HI, OR, WA                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
      Table 4, set forth below, presents the data used to calculate the 
    residential energy expenditures factor for each State.
    
    Table Explanation
    
        Column A--State Abbreviation.
        Column B--Census Division Abbreviation.
        Column C--Residential Energy Expenditures by State (State EE) is 
    published in the EIA's State Energy Price and Expenditure Report 1991 
    (SEPER). Data is expressed in millions of dollars.
        Column D--Residential Energy Expenditures by Census division (Div 
    EE) is the sum of the State data in Column C for each Census division. 
    Data is expressed in millions of dollars.
        Column E--Number of Households per State (State #HH) was obtained 
    from the Bureau of the Census' U.S. Summary of General Housing 
    Characteristics, 1990 Census.
        Column F--Number of Households per Census division (Division #HH) 
    is the sum of the State data in Column E for each Census division.
        Column G--Residential Energy Expenditures per Low-Income Household 
    for each State's Census division (Division EE/#LIHH) is published in 
    the EIA's Household Energy Consumption and Expenditures 1990--
    Supplement: Regional.
        Column H--The ratio of each State's Residential Energy Expenditures 
    per Household (State EE/#HH) over the Residential Energy Expenditures 
    per Household for each State's Census division (Division EE/#HH) is 
    calculated as follows:
    [GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TR05JN95.003
    
    
        Column I--Residential Energy Expenditures per Low-Income Household 
    by State (State EE/#LIHH) is calculated as follows:
    
    Column I = Column G  x  Column H
        Column J--``Residential Energy
    
        Expenditure Factor (F3)'' is calculated by dividing the estimate of 
    residential energy expenditures per low-income households for each 
    State by the national median ($998.52).
    
                                                     Table 4.--Residential Energy Expenditure Factor Details                                                
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                        Ratio of                            
                                                                                                                         state                              
                                                                                                         Residential     energy     Residential             
                                                     Residential   Residential                             energy     expenditure     energy                
                                                       energy        energy                 Households  expenditures      per      expenditures             
              State abbrev.              Census     expenditures  expenditures  Households     (for       per low-     household     per low-    Expenditure
                                        division     (by state)    (for census  (by state)    census       income     to division     income     factor (F3)
                                                     (million $)    division)                division)    household      energy      household              
                                                                   (million $)                           (for census  expenditure   (by state)              
                                                                                                          division)       per                               
                                                                                                                       household                            
    A                                 B                       C             D            E           F            G             H            I             J
                                                                                                                                                            
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CT..............................  NE              $2,024.20     $7,476.80   $1,230,479  $4,942,714       $1,150        $1.087    $1,250.62       $1.2565
    MA..............................  NE               3,264.10      7,476.80    2,247,110   4,942,714        1,150         0.960     1,104.30        1.1095
    ME..............................  NE                 708.30      7,476.80      465,312   4,942,714        1,150         1.006     1,157.23        1.1627
    NH..............................  NE                 596.90      7,476.80      411,186   4,942,714        1,150         0.960     1,103.60        1.1088
    RI..............................  NE                 530.50      7,476.80      377,977   4,942,714        1,150         0.928     1,067.01        1.0720
    VT..............................  NE                 352.80      7,476.80      210,650   4,942,714        1,150         1.107     1,273.25        1.2792
    NJ..............................  MA               4,114.50     19,378.30    2,794,711  13,929,999        1,157         1.058     1,224.47        1.2302
    NY..............................  MA               8,785.50     19,378.30    6,639,322  13,929,999        1,157         0.951     1,100.55        1.1057
    DC..............................  SA                 222.40     20,804.00      249,634  16,503,063          988         0.707       698.24        0.7015
    DE..............................  SA                 369.30     20,804.00      247,497  16,503,063          988         1.184     1,169.46        1.1749
    MD..............................  SA               2,309.50     20,804.00    1,748,991  16,503,063          988         1.047     1,034.92        1.0398
    PA..............................  MA               6,478.30     19,378.30    4,495,966  13,929,999        1,157         1.036     1,198.41        1.2040
    VA..............................  SA               2,920.60     20,804.00    2,291,830  16,503,063          988         1.011       998.77        1.0034
    WV..............................  SA                 742.10     20,804.00      688,557  16,503,063          988         0.855       844.69        0.8486
    AL..............................  ESC              1,857.90      6,423.40    1,506,790   5,651,671          772         1.085       837.53        0.8415
    FL..............................  SA               6,144.50     20,804.00    5,134,869  16,503,063          988         0.949       937.85        0.9422
    GA..............................  SA               3,063.30     20,804.00    2,366,615  16,503,063          988         1.027     1,014.46        1.0192
    KY..............................  ESC              1,474.00      6,423.40    1,379,782   5,651,671          772         0.940       725.63        0.7290
    MS..............................  ESC              1,068.00      6,423.40      911,374   5,651,671          772         1.031       795.98        0.7997
    NC..............................  SA               3,390.90     20,804.00    2,517,026  16,503,063          988         1.069     1,055.85        1.0608
    SC..............................  SA               1,641.40     20,804.00    1,258,044  16,503,063          988         1.035     1,022.57        1.0274
    TN..............................  ESC              2,023.50      6,423.40    1,853,725   5,651,671          772         0.960       741.46        0.7449
    IL..............................  ENC              6,017.80     20,660.20    4,202,240  15,596,590        1,074         1.081     1,161.06        1.1665
    IN..............................  ENC              2,644.70     20,660.20    2,065,355  15,596,590        1,074         0.967     1,038.20        1.0431
    MI..............................  ENC              4,339.90     20,660.20    3,419,331  15,596,590        1,074         0.958     1,029.05        1.0339
    MN..............................  WNC              1,868.50      8,200.60    1,647,853   6,720,385          968         0.929       899.49        0.9037
    OH..............................  ENC              5,420.90     20,660.20    4,087,546  15,596,590        1,074         1.001     1,075.25        1.0803
    WI..............................  ENC              2,236.90     20,660.20    1,822,118  15,596,590        1,074         0.927       995.34        1.0000
    AR..............................  WSC              1,168.50     12,362.20      891,179   9,667,520          971         1.025       995.64        1.0003
    LA..............................  WSC              1,950.10     12,362.20    1,499,269   9,667,520          971         1.017       987.68        0.9923
    NM..............................  MT                 545.40      5,476.10      542,709   5,033,336          888         0.924       820.25        0.8241
    OK..............................  WSC              1,441.60     12,362.20    1,206,135   9,667,520          971         0.935       907.59       0.9118 
    [[Page 29477]]
                                                                                                                                                            
    TX..............................  WSC              7,802.00     12,362.20    6,070,937   9,667,520          971         1.005       975.86        0.9804
    IA..............................  WNC              1,355.70      8,200.60    1,064,325   6,720,385          968         1.044     1,010.45        1.0152
    KS..............................  WNC              1,138.90      8,200.60      944,726   6,720,385          968         0.988       956.32        0.9608
    MO..............................  WNC              2,539.40      8,200.60    1,961,206   6,720,385          968         1.061     1,027.15        1.0320
    NE..............................  WNC                680.70      8,200.60      602,363   6,720,385          968         0.926       896.44        0.9006
    CO..............................  MT               1,214.70      5,476.10    1,282,489   5,033,336          888         0.871       773.06        0.7767
    MT..............................  MT                 321.50      5,476.10      306,163   5,033,336          888         0.965       857.09        0.8611
    ND..............................  WNC                303.20      8,200.60      240,878   6,720,385          968         1.032       998.52        1.0032
    SD..............................  WNC                314.20      8,200.60      259,034   6,720,385          968         0.994       962.22        0.9667
    UT..............................  MT                 620.90      5,476.10      537,273   5,033,336          888         1.062       943.24        0.9477
    WY..............................  MT                 194.40      5,476.10      168,839   5,033,336          888         1.058       939.77        0.9442
    AZ..............................  MT               1,694.00      5,476.10    1,368,843   5,033,336          888         1.137     1,010.08        1.0148
    CA..............................  PAC             10,642.80     13,958.20   10,381,206  13,902,132          676         1.021       690.25        0.6935
    HI..............................  PAC                273.20     13,958.20      356,267  13,902,132          676         0.764       516.30        0.5187
    NV..............................  MT                 493.20      5,476.10      466,297   5,033,336          888         0.972       863.29        0.8673
    AK..............................  PAC                349.00     13,958.20      188,915  13,902,132          676         1.840     1,243.82        1.2496
    ID..............................  MT                 392.00      5,476.10      360,723   5,033,336          888         0.999       886.97        0.8911
    OR..............................  PAC              1,013.60     13,958.20    1,103,313  13,902,132          676         0.915       618.54        0.6214
    WA..............................  PAC              1,679.60     13,958.20    1,872,431  13,902,132          676         0.893       603.95        0.6068
                                                                                                                                                            
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total/Median................  ............  ............  ............  ..........  ..........  ............  ...........       995.34   ...........
    
      The underlying assumption in the calculation of State residential 
    energy expenditures per low-income household is that the relationship 
    between a State's residential energy expenditures per household and its 
    respective divisional residential energy expenditures per household is 
    the same for its low-income population as it is for its general 
    population. If State Y's average household spends 100 percent more on 
    residential energy than the average household in its Census division, 
    then it is assumed that the low-income households in State Y will also 
    spend 100 percent more on residential energy than the average low-
    income household in its division. For example, assume State Y's 
    residential energy expenditures per general household is $2,000 and the 
    average residential energy expenditures per general household in its 
    division is $1,000. If the average residential energy expenditures per 
    low-income households for the division is $800, then the residential 
    energy expenditures per low-income household for State Y would be 
    $1,600.
    
    Formula Share
    
        The above factors are combined into a single formula by multiplying 
    the percent of low-income households (F1) in each State by the climate 
    factor (F2) and the residential energy expenditures factor (F3) for 
    that State. For explanation purposes, the result of applying the 
    formula to a given State will now be called the State's weight (SW), as 
    follows:
    
    SW=F1 x F2 x 3.
    
        These State-by-State calculations do not necessarily sum to one. As 
    a result, each State's weight must be divided by the national total of 
    each State's weight to obtain the State's Formula Share, as follows:
        State's Formula Share=State's Weight/National Total.
        Table 5 shows the three factors (from the previous tables) for each 
    State along with each State's weight and Formula Share.
        Table Explanation
        Column A--State Name.
        Column B--State's Population Factor (F1).
        Column C--State's Climatic Factor (F2).
        Column D--State's Residential Energy Expenditures Factor (F3).
        Column E--State's Weight--F1 x F2 x F3.
        Column F--State's Formula Share--State's weight (Column E) divided 
    by the national total (the sum of Column E).
    
                                                                                                                                                            
    [[Page 29478]]
                              Table 5.--Formula Factors, Weight and Formula Share by State                          
                                                                                                                    
                         State                            F1           F2           F3         Weight       Share   
    A                                                          B            C            D            E            F
                                                                                                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alabama........................................        2.381        0.740        0.841        1.482       0.0156
    Alaska.........................................        0.134        2.114        1.250        0.354       0.0037
    Arizona........................................        1.609        0.722        1.015        1.179       0.0124
    Arkansas.......................................        1.480        0.827        1.000        1.225       0.0129
    California.....................................        9.396        0.586        0.693        3.815       0.0401
    Colorado.......................................        1.269        1.370        0.777        1.351       0.0142
    Connecticut....................................        0.742        1.188        1.256        1.108       0.0117
    Delaware.......................................        0.191        0.993        1.175        0.223       0.0023
    District of Columbia...........................        0.286        0.998        0.702        0.200       0.0021
    Florida........................................        5.420        0.520        0.942        2.655       0.0279
    Georgia........................................        2.907        0.720        1.019        2.133       0.0224
    Hawaii.........................................        0.252        0.407        0.519        0.053       0.0006
    Idaho..........................................        0.426        1.332        0.891        0.506       0.0053
    Illinois.......................................        4.051        1.255        1.167        5.930       0.0624
    Indiana........................................        2.018        1.191        1.043        2.507       0.0264
    Iowa...........................................        1.134        1.370        1.015        1.577       0.0166
    Kansas.........................................        1.010        1.091        0.961        1.058       0.0111
    Kentucky.......................................        2.204        0.976        0.729        1.569       0.0165
    Louisiana......................................        2.725        0.630        0.992        1.704       0.0179
    Maine..........................................        0.495        1.511        1.163        0.869       0.0091
    Maryland.......................................        1.212        0.998        1.040        1.258       0.0132
    Massachusetts..................................        1.930        1.230        1.109        2.633       0.0277
    Michigan.......................................        3.687        1.324        1.034        5.049       0.0531
    Minnesota......................................        1.523        1.656        0.904        2.279       0.0240
    Mississippi....................................        1.815        0.711        0.800        1.032       0.0109
    Missouri.......................................        2.328        1.092        1.032        2.624       0.0276
    Montana........................................        0.422        1.530        0.861        0.556       0.0058
    Nebraska.......................................        0.645        1.302        0.901        0.757       0.0080
    Nevada.........................................        0.400        0.966        0.867        0.335       0.0035
    New Hampshire..................................        0.267        1.432        1.109        0.425       0.0045
    New Jersey.....................................        1.869        1.089        1.230        2.504       0.0263
    New Mexico.....................................        0.836        0.971        0.824        0.669       0.0070
    New York.......................................        7.011        1.172        1.106        9.084       0.0955
    North Carolina.................................        3.014        0.801        1.061        2.560       0.0269
    North Dakota...................................        0.315        1.782        1.003        0.563       0.0059
    Ohio...........................................        4.347        1.178        1.080        5.532       0.0582
    Oklahoma.......................................        1.755        0.886        0.912        1.417       0.0149
    Oregon.........................................        1.180        0.987        0.621        0.724       0.0076
    Pennsylvania...................................        4.467        1.166        1.204        6.274       0.0660
    Rhode Island...................................        0.352        1.147        1.072        0.433       0.0046
    South Carolina.................................        1.693        0.716        1.027        1.245       0.0131
    South Dakota...................................        0.351        1.495        0.967        0.507       0.0053
    Tennessee......................................        2.580        0.892        0.745        1.714       0.0180
    Texas..........................................        8.289        0.678        0.980        5.511       0.0580
    Utah...........................................        0.547        1.268        0.948        0.657       0.0069
    Vermont........................................        0.201        1.500        1.279        0.385       0.0040
    Virginia.......................................        2.057        0.932        1.003        1.924       0.0202
    Washington.....................................        1.731        1.058        0.607        1.111       0.0117
    West Virginia..................................        1.138        1.059        0.849        1.023       0.0108
    Wisconsin......................................        1.722        1.472        1.000        2.535       0.0267
    Wyoming........................................        0.187        1.524        0.944        0.269       0.0028
                                                                                                                    
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------
        National Total.............................  ...........  ...........  ...........       95.083       1.0000
    
      Each State's share of the ``Formula Allocation'' is then calculated 
    by multiplying the total ``Formula Allocation'' by each State's 
    ``Formula Share''.
    
    Section 440.10(c)  Allocation of Funds
    
        Two comments noted that since the NOPR was published on January 23, 
    1995, Congressional budgetary issues, which may affect the level of 
    program funds available, have surfaced. In the NOPR, Sec. 440.10(c) 
    referred to fiscal year 1995 funding. At that time, the Department 
    contemplated possible reductions in funding beginning after fiscal year 
    1995. Because of the possibility of reductions in fiscal year 1995 
    funding, this provision has been modified from the proposed language to 
    clarify that the level of appropriations referred to in this section is 
    that found in Pub. L. 103-332. Therefore, any increase in funds above 
    the total program allocations level under Pub. L. 103-332 will be 
    allocated according to the new formula. Should total program 
    allocations for any fiscal year fall below the total program 
    allocations under Pub. L. 103-332, then each State's program allocation 
    shall be reduced from its allocated amount under Pub. L. 103-332 by the 
    same percentage. For example, if total program allocations for a given 
    year were 10 percent below the amount under Pub. L. 103-332, then each 
    State's [[Page 29479]] program allocation would be 10 percent less than 
    under Pub. L. 103-332. This approach distributes the effect of lower 
    appropriations equitably.
    
    Section 440.10(d)  Allocation of Funds
    
        In Sec. 440.10(d), DOE clarifies the sources of data used in the 
    new formula. All sources of data are publicly available. Since 
    publication of the NOPR, DOE has obtained updated data on State energy 
    expenditures and incorporated this new data in Tables 4 and 5 of this 
    interim final rule.
    
    Section 440.10(e)  Allocation of Funds
    
        Section 440.10(e) alerts States of possible impacts on their 
    weatherization programs that may occur due to changes in data. For any 
    given program year when changes occur, DOE will delay reallocations 
    based on new data until the following year. This allows States to plan 
    for anticipated shifts in funds and develop alternative strategies for 
    minimizing the impact of such change.
    
    Section 440.12  State Application
    
        In Sec. 440.12(b)(4) the term ``tentative allocation'' is deleted 
    and ``program allocation'' is substituted to provide consistency with 
    Sec. 440.10. It should be noted that the original intent in using the 
    term ``tentative allocation'', that is, retaining DOE's discretion to 
    reallocate funds if they are not used on a timely basis, is preserved 
    by substituting ``program allocation'' as it applies in Sec. 440.10 (f) 
    and (g). The term ``tentatively'' in Sec. 440.14(b)(9)(vi) is deleted.
    
    Section 440.14  State Plans
    
        In Sec. 440.14(b)(8)(i) the term ``tentative allocation'' has been 
    retained. This term in context refers to State allocation (rather than 
    DOE allocation) of funds among their subgrantees and the right of the 
    State, after providing appropriate due process, to reduce or withdraw 
    these funds for non-performance or other deficiencies.
    
    III. Interim Final Effect
    
        DOE has issued today's regulatory amendments as an interim final 
    rule to reserve the possibility of reopening the record in light of the 
    ultimate disposition of pending budgetary bills during the current 
    session of Congress. The Department anticipates removing the interim 
    final designation before the end of 1995.
    
    IV. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    
        Today's regulatory action has been determined not to be a 
    significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, 
    today's action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by 
    the Office of Management and Budget.
    
    V. Review Under Executive Order 12778
    
        Section 2 of E.O. 12778 instructs each agency to adhere to certain 
    requirements in promulgating new regulations and reviewing existing 
    regulations. These requirements, set forth in sections 2(a) and (b)(2), 
    include eliminating drafting errors and needless ambiguity, drafting 
    the regulation to minimize litigation, providing clear and certain 
    legal standards for affected conduct, and promoting simplification and 
    burden reduction. Agencies are also instructed to make every reasonable 
    effort to ensure that the regulation: Specifies clearly any preemptive 
    effect, any effect on existing Federal law or regulation, and any 
    retroactive effect; describes any administrative proceedings to be 
    available to judicial review and any provisions for the exhaustion of 
    such administrative proceedings; and defines key terms. DOE certifies 
    that today's regulation meets the requirements of sections 2(a) and (b) 
    of E.O. 12778.
    
    VI. Review Under Executive Order 12612
    
        Executive Order 12612 requires that regulations be reviewed for any 
    substantial direct effects on States, on the relationship between the 
    national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
    among various levels of Government. If there are sufficient substantial 
    direct effects, the Executive Order requires preparation of a 
    federalism assessment to be used in decisions by senior policymakers in 
    promulgating or implementing the regulation.
        Today's regulatory action will not have a substantial direct effect 
    on the traditional rights and prerogatives of States in relationship to 
    the Federal Government. Preparation of a federalism assessment is 
    therefore unnecessary.
    VII. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The regulations were reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
    Pub. L. 96-354, which requires preparation of a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis for any proposed regulation that will have a significant 
    economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, i.e., small 
    businesses and small government jurisdictions. DOE has concluded that 
    the interim final rule will affect the States and local agencies 
    operating weatherization programs, especially in the warmer-weather 
    States which will receive more funding. The incremental effect of the 
    final changes relates to the distribution of approximately $20 million. 
    Thus this incremental effect when spread among all of the States and 
    the District of Columbia will not have a significant impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities. Therefore, DOE certifies that 
    there will not be a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
    of small entities and that preparation of a regulatory flexibility 
    analysis is not warranted.
    
    VIII. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        No new information collection or recordkeeping requirements are 
    imposed on the public by today's interim final rule. Accordingly, no 
    OMB clearance is required under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 
    3501 et seq., or implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320.
    
    IX. Review Under National Environmental Policy Act
    
        The interim final rule provides the new formula which will be used 
    to distribute funds among the States pursuant to the regulations for 
    the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons. Over the 
    years many warmer-weather States have maintained that the old formula 
    overallocated funds to colder-weather States. The purpose of the new 
    formula is to increase the overall equity among the States. The 
    Department has determined that this interim final rule is covered under 
    the Categorical Exclusion found at paragraph A6 of appendix A to 
    subpart D, 10 CFR part 1021, which applies to the establishment of 
    procedural rulemakings. Accordingly, neither an environmental 
    assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.
    
    X. Other Federal Agencies
    
        DOE provided draft copies of the interim final rule to the 
    Department of Health and Human Services Low-Income Home Energy 
    Assistance Program and the Department of Agriculture Farmers Home 
    Administration. No comments were received. DOE also provided a draft 
    copy to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, 
    pursuant to section 7 of the Federal Energy Administration Act, as 
    amended, 15 U.S.C. 766. The Administrator did not submit any comment.
    
    XI. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
    
        The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for the 
    [[Page 29480]] Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons 
    is 81.042.
    
    List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 440
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Aged, Energy conservation, 
    Grant programs-energy, Grant programs-housing and community 
    development, Handicapped, Housing standards, Indians, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements, and Weather.
    
        Issued in Washington, DC, on May 25, 1995.
    Christine A. Ervin,
    Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
    
        For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE hereby amends 
    chapter II of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth 
    below:
    
    PART 440--WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME PERSONS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 440 is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6861-6871; 42 U.S.C. 7191.
    
        2. In Sec. 440.3, remove the definitions for ``Number of Low-
    Income, Owner Occupied Dwelling Units in the State''; ``Number of Low-
    Income, Renter-Occupied Dwelling Units in the State''; ``Percentage of 
    Total Residential Energy Used for Space Cooling''; ``Percentage of 
    Total Residential Energy Used for Space Heating''; and add the 
    following definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows.
    
    
    Sec. 440.3  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        Base Allocation means the fixed amount of funds for each State as 
    set forth in Sec. 440.10(b)(1).
    * * * * *
        Formula Allocation means the amount of funds for each State as 
    calculated based on the formula in Sec. 440.10(b)(3).
        Formula Share means the percentage of the total formula allocation 
    provided to each State as calculated in Sec. 440.10 (b)(3).
    * * * * *
        Program Allocation means the base allocation plus formula 
    allocation for each State.
    * * * * *
        Residential Energy Expenditures means the average annual cost of 
    purchased residential energy, including the cost of renewable energy 
    resources.
    * * * * *
        Total Program Allocations means the annual appropriation less funds 
    reserved for training and technical assistance.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 440.10 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 440.10  Allocation of funds.
    
        (a) DOE shall allocate financial assistance for each State from 
    sums appropriated for any fiscal year, upon annual application.
        (b) Based on total program allocations at or above the amount of 
    total program allocations under Pub. L. 103-332, DOE shall determine 
    the program allocation for each State from available funds as follows:
        (1) Allocate to each State a ``Base Allocation'' as listed in Table 
    1.
    
                                     Table 1                                
                                                                            
                                                                            
    Alabama.................................................       1,636,000
    Alaska..................................................       1,425,000
    Arkansas................................................       1,417,000
    Arizona.................................................         760,000
    California..............................................       4,404,000
    Colorado................................................       4,574,000
    Connecticut.............................................       1,887,000
    Delaware................................................         409,000
    District of Columbia....................................         487,000
    Florida.................................................         761,000
    Georgia.................................................       1,844,000
    Hawaii..................................................         120,000
    Idaho...................................................       1,618,000
    Illinois................................................      10,717,000
    Indiana.................................................       5,156,000
    Iowa....................................................       4,032,000
    Kansas..................................................       1,925,000
    Kentucky................................................       3,615,000
    Louisiana...............................................         912,000
    Maine...................................................       2,493,000
    Maryland................................................       1,963,000
    Massachusetts...........................................       5,111,000
    Michigan................................................      12,346,000
    Minnesota...............................................       8,342,000
    Mississippi.............................................       1,094,000
    Missouri................................................       4,615,000
    Montana.................................................       2,123,000
    Nebraska................................................       2,013,000
    Nevada..................................................         586,000
    New Hampshire...........................................       1,193,000
    New Jersey..............................................       3,775,000
    New Mexico..............................................       1,519,000
    New York................................................      15,302,000
    North Carolina..........................................       2,853,000
    North Dakota............................................       2,105,000
    Ohio....................................................      10,665,000
    Oklahoma................................................       1,846,000
    Oregon..................................................       2,320,000
    Pennsylvania............................................      11,457,000
    Rhode Island............................................         878,000
    South Carolina..........................................       1,130,000
    South Dakota............................................       1,561,000
    Tennessee...............................................       3,218,000
    Texas...................................................       2,999,000
    Utah....................................................       1,692,000
    Vermont.................................................       1,014,000
    Virginia................................................       2,970,000
    Washington..............................................       3,775,000
    West Virginia...........................................       2,573,000
    Wisconsin...............................................       7,061,000
    Wyoming.................................................         967,000
                                                                            
                                                             ---------------
        Total...............................................     171,258,000
    
        (2) Subtract 171,258,000 from total program allocations.
        (3) Calculate each State's formula share as follows:
        (i) Divide the number of ``Low Income'' households in each State by 
    the number of ``Low Income'' households in the United States and 
    multiply by 100.
        (ii) Divide the number of ``Heating Degree Days'' for each State by 
    the median ``Heating Degree Days'' for all States.
        (iii) Divide the number of ``Cooling Degree Days'' for each State 
    by the median ``Cooling Degree Days'' for all States, then multiply by 
    0.1.
        (iv) Calculate the sum of the two numbers from paragraph (b)(3)(ii) 
    and (iii) of this section.
        (v) Divide the residential energy expenditures for each State by 
    the number of households in the State.
        (vi) Divide the sum of the residential energy expenditures for the 
    States in each Census division by the sum of the households for the 
    States in that division.
        (vii) Divide the quotient from paragraph (b)(3)(v) of this section 
    by the quotient from paragraph (b)(3)(vi) of this section.
        (viii) Multiply the quotient from paragraph (b)(3)(vii) of this 
    section for each State by the residential energy expenditures per low-
    income household for its respective Census division.
        (ix) Divide the product from paragraph (b)(3)(viii) of this section 
    for each State by the median of the products of all States.
        (x) Multiply the results for paragraph (b)(3)(i), (iv) and (ix) of 
    this section for each State.
        (xi) Divide the product in paragraph (b)(3)(x) of this section for 
    each State by the sum of the products in paragraph (b)(3)(x) of this 
    section for all States.
        (4) Calculate each State's program allocation as follows:
        (i) Multiply the remaining funds calculated in paragraph (b)(2) of 
    this section by the formula share calculated in paragraph (b)(3)(xi) of 
    this section,
        (ii) Add the base allocation from paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
    to the product of paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section.
        (c) Should total program allocations for any fiscal year fall below 
    the total program allocations under Pub. L. 103- 332, then each State's 
    program [[Page 29481]] allocation shall be reduced from its allocated 
    amount under Pub. L. 103-332 by the same percentage as total program 
    allocations for the fiscal year fall below the total program 
    allocations under Pub. L. 103-332.
        (d) All data sources used in the development of the formula are 
    publicly available. The relevant data is available from the Bureau of 
    the Census, the Department of Energy's Energy Information 
    Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
        (e) Should updates to the data used in the formula become available 
    in any fiscal year, these changes would be implemented in the formula 
    in the following program year.
        (f) DOE may reduce the program allocation for a State by the amount 
    DOE determines cannot be reasonably expended by a grantee to weatherize 
    dwelling units during the budget period for which financial assistance 
    is to be awarded. In reaching this determination, DOE will consider the 
    amount of unexpended financial assistance currently available to a 
    grantee under this part and the number of dwelling units which remains 
    to be weatherized with the unexpended financial assistance.
        (g) DOE may increase the program allocation of a State by the 
    amount DOE determines the grantee can expend to weatherize additional 
    dwelling units during the budget period for which financial assistance 
    is to be awarded.
        (h) The Support Office Director shall notify each State of the 
    program allocation for which that State is eligible to apply.
    
        4. Section 440.12 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 440.12  State applications.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4) The total number of dwelling units proposed to be weatherized 
    with grant funds during the budget period for which assistance is to be 
    awarded--
        (i) With financial assistance previously obligated under this part, 
    and
        (ii) With the program allocation to the State;
    * * * * *
        5. Section 440.14 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(9)(vi) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 440.14  State plans.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (9) * * *
        (vi) The amount of weatherization grant funds allocated to the 
    State under this part;
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 95-13437 Filed 6-2-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/5/1995
Published:
06/05/1995
Department:
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim final rule.
Document Number:
95-13437
Dates:
July 5, 1995.
Pages:
29469-29481 (13 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. EE-RM-94-401
PDF File:
95-13437.pdf
CFR: (5)
10 CFR 440.10(e)
10 CFR 440.3
10 CFR 440.10
10 CFR 440.12
10 CFR 440.14