Senators call on Energy Secretary to stop delays in Weatherization Assistance Program funding
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently led a group of senators in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry regarding delays in guidance and documentation for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently missed a deadline to deliver information concerning state allocations to WAP grantees. Continued delays could impact funding for states whose WAP programs begin in early spring. The WAP aims to lower energy costs for low-income families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes.
Persistent delays in this guidance could impact critical funding for states whose WAP programs begin in the early spring. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower energy costs for low-income families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes.
“We appreciate the commitment you made on April 11, 2018, before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to fund WAP consistent with Congressional intent and urge you to release these final guidance documents without delay,” the senators wrote.
In addition to Shaheen, Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) also signed the letter.
On Sept. 25, DOE announced that it would release grant guidance and management information to assist grantees in developing state plans for the upcoming program year on Nov. 30.
“As of the date of this letter, DOE has failed to release these guidance documents or state allocations for FY 2019,” the senators wrote. “We urge DOE to release the FY 2019 WAP guidance and state allocations no later than Dec. 7, 2018, in order to avoid unnecessary delays in services to low-income families and seniors who rely on the energy savings from this program.”
In their letter, the senators noted that Congress provided a $6 million increase in funding for WAP through the annual appropriations bill signed into law earlier this fall and directed DOE to distribute the funds promptly.
