For Immediate Release
(
April 3, 2019, Washington, D.C.) -
Today Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), along with Reps. Kaptur (D-OH) and Rush (D-IL), as well as Senators Collins (R-ME), Reed (D-RI), and Shaheen (D-NH),
introduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act. The House version of the bill is is
H.R. 2041
and the Senate version of the bill is
S. 983
.
The legislation would reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through 2024.
Jenae Bjelland, Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP), representing the State WAP Directors in all 50 States, DC, and 5 US territories said:
“The WAP is a critical program that reduces the home energy costs of vulnerable families and makes their homes healthier and safer. This legislation will reauthorize WAP and allow the weatherization network to build upon its legacy of over 40 years of helping low-income Americans. We applaud and appreciate the leadership of Representative Tonko and Senator Coons, who are tireless advocates for weatherization.”
In addition to reauthorizing WAP, the legislation will make several enhancements and adjustments to modernize the program and maximize its impact. States and local WAP agencies would have more resources to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the program. The bill also creates an innovation fund which would help the program incorporate renewables, pilot new technologies, increase health benefits, and address homes in severe disrepair.
The WAP has weatherized over 7.4 million homes since its inception in 1976, lowering energy bills and allowing families to buy other essentials like food, education, and healthcare. An evaluation by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that WAP returns over $4 in benefits for every dollar invested. Learn more about the program
here
.
_______________________________________________________
NASCSP represents the administrators of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in all 50 states, DC, and five U.S. territories. For more information visit
www.nascsp.org
