Senators urge Administration to release Weatherization Assistance Program
U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are teaming up with seventeen of their colleagues in urging the Administration to release nearly $360 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and $66 million for the State Energy Program (SEP). States typically begin their Weatherization programs toward the end of the federal fiscal year, while State Energy Program funds follow a similar schedule.
States and territories usually start their programs on July 1. However, the Administration has not published any instructions for states to apply for grant funds that would be used.
“WAP and SEP provide vital formula funding to all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia to address energy affordability, reliability, and security,” wrote the senators in an address. “WAP provides states with funding to weatherize homes for low-income Americans, saving participants on average $372 on utility bills every year. Conserving energy helps participating households devote their income to other essentials such as food and medicine. SEP provides funding to help states improve energy security, increase energy efficiency and boost economic growth.”
In addition to Reed and Collins, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the Ranking Member on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
