Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez's proposal to lower energy costs for mobile home residents signed into law

The provision encourages the Department of Energy to prioritize grants for manufactured housing energy efficiency upgrades.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, has successfully included a provision in the 2026 Energy, Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill that aims to help lower energy costs for residents of manufactured homes. The provision encourages the Department of Energy to prioritize grants available within the Weatherization Assistance Program for upgrades like mobile home skirting and awnings, which can improve energy efficiency.

Why it matters

This legislation is significant for the many Americans who live in manufactured homes, as they often face higher energy costs compared to traditional site-built homes. By incentivizing energy efficiency upgrades for mobile homes, this provision has the potential to provide meaningful savings for low-income households.

The details

Gluesenkamp Perez's provision was included as part of the 2026 Energy, Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, which is now law. The provision specifically encourages the Department of Energy to prioritize grants available within the Weatherization Assistance Program for manufactured housing skirting, awnings, and other traditional means of energy efficiency.

  • In October 2025, Gluesenkamp Perez met with residents of the Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community in Vancouver, Washington.
  • Gluesenkamp Perez previously introduced the Lowering Energy Costs for Manufactured Homeowners Act, which would create a tax credit for installing or updating energy-saving skirting.
  • The 2026 Energy, Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, which includes Gluesenkamp Perez's provision, was signed into law in February 2026.

The players

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Skamania, Washington who sponsored the provision to help lower energy costs for residents of manufactured homes.

Vista Del Rio Mobile Home Community

A mobile home community in Vancouver, Washington where Gluesenkamp Perez met with residents in October 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Federal energy policy has sort of gotten perverted to saying that you should have the highest, fanciest, shiniest new technology, where in a lot of parts of the country, we've known for a long time how to keep our energy prices low.”

— Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, U.S. Representative (The Chronicle)

What’s next

The Department of Energy will now work to implement the new provision by prioritizing grants for manufactured housing energy efficiency upgrades through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The takeaway

This legislation demonstrates a pragmatic approach to addressing energy costs for low-income Americans, recognizing that simple, traditional solutions like mobile home skirting can be highly effective at improving efficiency and reducing utility bills. It's a positive step forward in making energy more affordable for vulnerable populations.