WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the federal government’s cornerstone energy efficiency initiative – the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act of 2025 would extend the program through 2030 and increase funding limits to help more families make energy-saving home upgrades.
A companion bill is being led in the House by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Josh Riley (D-N.Y.), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.), and delegate James Moylan (R-Guam).
“High energy bills in Delaware have long been a problem, and they’re only getting worse thanks to President Trump’s erratic climate and energy policies. The Weatherization Assistance Program offers an easy way for families to cut energy costs while making their homes safer and more comfortable for several decades,” said Senator Coons. “Extending this program is so important because Delawareans deserve more commonsense ways to reduce energy waste and save money on their utility bills at a time when costs are already too high.”
“Being smarter about how we use energy helps strengthen our economy, improves U.S. energy security, and protects the environment while saving households money,” said Senator Reed. “Reauthorizing the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program will help more Rhode Island families and businesses save on their energy bills. As the Trump Administration cuts investments in cleaner, more efficient energy systems, this is a cost-effective strategy to increase America’s global competitiveness and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”
“The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven, cost-effective way to permanently decrease energy usage while reducing low-income Americans’ energy bills,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help build on the significant investments we have secured for the Weatherization Assistance Program so that more Americans are able to make improvements that will allow them to affordably heat their homes.”
“As President Trump’s actions increase costs for working families, weatherizing homes to lower monthly utility bills is more important than ever,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Weatherization Assistance Program is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that helps address the high cost of electricity, make progress toward our climate goals and create good jobs in our state. It’s time to extend and expand this effective effort and ensure more Granite Staters can benefit from these savings.”
Weatherization enhances a home's energy efficiency by upgrading it to reduce energy consumption while improving its ability to withstand harsh elements such as heat, cold, wind, and moisture. For nearly 50 years, WAP has helped American families improve their homes’ energy efficiency through measures such as adding insulation, sealing windows, and wrapping water pipes.
The program is often available at no cost and saves residents an average of $372 annually on utility bills.
Specifically, the Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:
“The Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven success; it lowers utility bills, keeps housing affordable, and develops workers' skills — all while keeping Americans warm in winter, cool in summer, and healthy all year round. This Administration has supported the program's continuation, and it is now essential that S. 2570 be enacted to reauthorize the program and make modest and necessary operational updates. The National Community Action Fund represents the nation's local Community Action Agencies, which make up most of the Weatherization services delivery network; we are grateful for the leadership of Senator Coons and Senators Jack Reed, Susan Collins and Jean Shaheen in championing this vital legislative initiative,” said David Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation, which represents the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies that serve as local WAP providers.
“The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) strongly endorses this legislation to update and enhance the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program provides home energy upgrades for low-income citizens in every state in the nation to ensure the elderly and vulnerable have more affordable heating and cooling. This bipartisan bill is a step forward to improving affordability of energy for low-income Americans,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).
“For nearly 50 years, WAP has provided home energy upgrades for over 7.2 million low-income families across the country, reducing energy burdens while improving household health and safety. This bipartisan legislation will empower state programs to build on these successes by reauthorizing the program and updating program requirements to better address local needs. NASCSP firmly supports this bill, and we thank Senators Coons, Reed, Shaheen, and Collins for continuing to champion this program,” said Cheryl Williams, Executive Director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs.
“The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) doesn’t just cut energy costs for low-income families - it supports jobs. BPA member contractors perform home upgrades for WAP projects across the country, lowering energy bills and improving home health, safety, and comfort. The bipartisan Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act reauthorizes WAP to ensure the program can continue to operate seamlessly - for both contractors performing upgrades and for households receiving services. The bill also makes badly needed updates to WAP’s Average Cost Per Unit allowance, helping the program keep up with rising wage and equipment costs while also supporting more improvements per project. BPA strongly supports this legislation, and we thank Senators Coons, Reed, Shaheen, and Collins for their leadership,” said Steve Skodak, Chief Executive Officer of the Building Performance Association.
The bill text is available here.