WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a cosponsor of the bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, also known as “Shaheen-Portman,” filed an amendment to the bill Tuesday to strengthen and reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP), two of the federal government’s most successful and long-standing energy efficiency initiatives. The amendment will mirror legislation reintroduced by Senator Coons in February with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H). The underlying Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 79-20.
“Making our nation more energy efficient is an investment that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Senator Coons said. “For decades, support from WAP and SEP has helped communities across the nation steadily reduce their energy usage and realize tremendous cost-savings as a result. These programs work on the ground in our communities, helping low-income families save on their energy bills so they don’t have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. They help states implement innovative programs to promote energy efficiency and foster job-creating renewable energy development. WAP and SEP are both essential pieces of our nation’s energy efficiency strategy, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting their reauthorization as the Senate takes up Shaheen-Portman.”
The Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act would strengthen and reauthorize the heart of the federal government’s energy efficiency strategy — the Weatherization Assistance Program — as well as the vital work of the State Energy Program. For nearly four decades, these programs have assisted millions of low-income families with cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades and encouraged state and local initiatives that improve energy efficiency and develop alternative energy sources. The amendment would reauthorize both programs for five more years.
In February, energy officials from three states testifying at a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Energy Subcommittee endorsed the legislation and stressed the important role WAP and SEP have played in helping their states reduce energy costs and expand renewable energy development. More than 25 additional groups support the legislation. A complete list is available at http://coons.senate.gov/weatherization.
Click here to download a copy of the amendment text.