Advocates Applaud Senate Bill to Boost Energy Security for Low-Income Families Across the United States

For Immediate Release: JANUARY 23, 2019
National Consumer Law Center contact: Jan Kruse (jkruse@nclc.org) or (617) 542-8010

Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Shaheen (D-NH), Collins (R-ME), Coons (D-DE), and Reed (D-RI) introduced bipartisan legislation that would prevent undue delay in distributing grants through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the State Energy Program (SEP), providing stability to state agencies and local partners that rely on these critical funds.

The Investing in State Energy Act would direct the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to distribute the full annual award amount of WAP and SEP funds to states, tribes, and other direct grantees no later than 60 days after funds are appropriated by Congress.

“For more than 40 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has eased the burden of high energy bills on our nation’s most vulnerable households by improving the energy efficiency of their homes,” said National Consumer Law Center attorney Olivia Wein. “No one should have to choose whether to pay to heat or to eat, and we greatly appreciate the leadership of Senators Shaheen, Collins, Coons, and Reed in sponsoring this legislation that will ensure the timely release of funds to weatherize the homes of low-income families.”