Tonko Highlights Weatherization Funds for NY Families to Reduce Energy Costs

Statement

Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced $289,714,086 in new funding headed to New York families as part of the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Thanks to the funds Tonko helped deliver under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York families will have the resources they need to reduce their home energy bills through cost-effective, energy efficient retrofit investments, including improved insulation, air sealing, lighting, and appliances.

"As House Democrats work to minimize Putin's Price Hike and address rising gas prices at the pump, we cannot forget the burden countless American's have felt under rising home energy costs," said Congressman Tonko. "Even before the recent increase in energy prices, utility bills strained many Americans' budgets. Many low-income Americans cut back on essential items like medicine, groceries, and childcare to pay home energy bills, while others drastically change their energy use in ways that may harm their health and well-being. I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan to provide a lifeline to families struggling to pay their bills, and I'm delighted to announce that--with our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--additional, vital help is on the way."

A quarter of American households have a high energy burden, and this figure is substantially higher for disadvantaged and low-income populations, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Tonko supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law by President Biden last year, which provided $3.5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program to address that burden.

Tonko was also a proud supporter of the American Rescue Plan, which delivered $4.5 billion in funds to help families with home energy costs through the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The recently enacted FY2022 omnibus appropriations package also included an additional $313 million for WAP and an additional $3.4 billion for LIHEAP.

Tonko continued, "These critical investments will not only lower energy costs for New York families, they will also provide wider economic benefits, from improved energy efficiency and public health to significant job creation. I will continue fighting to deliver transformational legislation that will cut costs for hardworking Americans."

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