DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING PROGRAMS.

SEC. 172. DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING PROGRAMS. (a) In General.—The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate industry organizations, shall conduct a study to— (1) assess existing district heating and cooling technologies to determine cost-effectiveness, technical performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impacts as compared to alternative methods for heating and cooling buildings; (2) estimate the economic value of benefits that may result from implementation of district heating and cooling systems but that are not currently recognized, such as reduced emissions of air pollutants, local economic development, and energy security; (3) evaluate the cost-effectiveness, including the economic value referred to in paragraph (2), of cogenerated district heating and cooling technologies compared to other alternatives for generating or conserving electricity; and (4) assess and make recommendations for reducing institutional and other constraints on the implementation of district heating and cooling systems. (b) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a report containing the findings, conclusions and recommendations, if any, of the Secretary for carrying out Federal, State, and local programs as a result of the study conducted under subsection (a). [42 U.S.C. 13451 note]