July 30, 2015 public statement
Newly approved legislation would authorize competitive grant program for weatherization services
WASHINGTON (July 30, 2015) – Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, which contains a provision supported by Habitat for Humanity International that would authorize a competitive grant program for national nonprofits providing weatherization services.
“We congratulate the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for approving this important legislation,” stated Christopher Ptomey, senior director of government relations at Habitat for Humanity International. “Through a competitive grant program, federal weatherization resources will enable organizations such as Habitat to extend the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program to meet the critical energy efficiency needs of underserved areas and populations. Habitat affiliates around the country are partnering with qualified low-income families to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing monthly energy consumption and costs and mitigating their homes’ impact on the environment.”
Habitat affiliates around the country understand the long-term benefits of lowering energy use and costs, including reducing the risk of mortgage default, strengthening the economy through increased job opportunities and reducing pollution.
Read Habitat for Humanity’s 2015 Shelter Report on residential energy efficiency.
Sign the petition to join Habitat for Humanity in supporting S 703, the Weatherization Enhancement and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act, and to help Habitat partner with families across the United States to build decent and affordable housing.