U.S. Senate Bill Would Cut Back Local
Weatherization Efforts as Energy Prices Rise
A Bill headed for the U.S. Senate floor after the November elections would cancel some local weatherization projects scheduled for next year.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has reported legislation that includes a 16 percent cut to the U.S. Department of Energy’s $2.42 million Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Locally, Weatherization Assistance managed by Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC) is on target to improve energy efficiency in at least thirty one (31) homes by March 2007. The cuts would reduce that number for the following year.
“Over the past five years, LHDC has helped to lower the annual energy bills of 150 low-income households by 20 to 30 percent by weather-proofing older homes and improving the efficiency of heating and cooling systems and appliances,” said Larry K. Kleeman, Executive Director of LHDC. “Our Weatherization work force is on the front line of America ’s struggle for Energy Independence.
“If this Weatherization cut is approved, I’m afraid we will be forced to turn away at least seven (7) working families and retirees of very modest means. The demand for the natural gas/oil/propane/electricity that we could have reduced by improving their homes and equipment will continue to drive up everyone’s costs,” Kleeman said.
“Due to the limited funds we now receive the waiting time for households to receive weatherization services is now two (2) years. With the proposed cut it would probably add another six (6) months to the waiting time for services,” Kleeman added.
A cut in WAP assistance would hurt communities nationwide, according to David Bradley, executive director for the National Community Action Foundation, the Washington advocate for the Community Action Agencies that provide Weatherization Services to low-income homes. “This year, the Weatherization Assistance Program is expected to help nearly 100,000 low-income Americans nationwide cut their heating bills by up to 30 percent,” Bradley said. “By slashing program funding, an estimated 20,000 American low-wage workers and retirees on fixed incomes will lose access to these permanent improvements to lower their energy use.”
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a $12 million increase for the next program year. In doing so, the House rejected President Bush’s proposal to cut the program by 30 percent in 2007.
“When the bill comes before the Senate, we urge Senators Bayh and Lugar to reject these proposed cuts and to provide at least the current funding level for this effective program,” said Kleeman. “Reducing energy use is the cheapest way for society to ease the demand for fuels that is driving up prices for all.”
For more information on the Weatherization Program, contact Tammy Thompson, Community Services Program Director for LHDC at 1-800-467-1435, extension 231 or at 302 Main Street, P.O. Box 336 , Tell City , Indiana 47586