(a) Definition
As used in this section, the term “energy efficient mortgage” has the same meaning as given that term in paragraph (24) of section 12704 of title 42.
(b) Recommendations to eliminate barriers to use of energy efficient mortgages
(1) In generalNot later than 180 days after July 30, 2008, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in conjunction with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall consult with the residential mortgage industry and States to develop recommendations to eliminate the barriers that exist to increasing the availability, use, and purchase of energy efficient mortgages, including such barriers as—
(A)
the lack of reliable and accessible information on such mortgages, including estimated energy savings and other benefits of energy efficient housing;
(B)
the confusion regarding underwriting requirements and differences among various energy efficient mortgage programs;
(c) Energy efficient mortgages outreach campaign
(1) In generalThe Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation and coordination with the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and State Energy and Housing Finance Directors, shall carry out an education and outreach campaign to inform and educate consumers, home builders, residential lenders, and other real estate professionals on the availability, benefits, and advantages of—