Yesterday, the Weatherization Assistance Program received $240.5 million in the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill for FY08. This is $36 million more than the Department of Energy provided through the Continuing Resolution for FY07. We are grateful to Senators Dorgan and Domenici for their continued support.
This bill will now face full committee markups. We will keep you posted as further developments arise.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
National Governors Association Demonstrates Support for Weatherization & State Energy Programs
On June 15, the National Governors Association addressed a letter to the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee leadership expressing their support of both the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Programs (SEP). The letter urges Congress to fund SEP at a level no less than $74 million and WAP at a level no less than $275 million for FY08.
We are grateful to the Governors for their recognition and interest in our programs. This is an outstanding example of how partnerships are being forged in DC to support these vital state energy initiatives.
The full text of this document can be found below.
We are grateful to the Governors for their recognition and interest in our programs. This is an outstanding example of how partnerships are being forged in DC to support these vital state energy initiatives.
The full text of this document can be found below.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Massachusetts Oilheat Council (MOC) Provides WAP Scholarships to the State
For the second consecutive year, the Massachusetts Oilheat Council (MOC), through the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), has provided Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program Subgrantees with five scholarships to the New England Fuel Institute's (NEFI) Oilheat Technician Course.
The course is 4 weeks in length and is a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction.
This is a great example of a public/private partnership to strengthen the technical skills of Massachusetts WAP Energy Auditors.
The course is 4 weeks in length and is a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction.
This is a great example of a public/private partnership to strengthen the technical skills of Massachusetts WAP Energy Auditors.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
WAP Policy Site Gets a New Look
As you may have noticed, our website is changing! Over the next few months, the content will be expanded so that visitors can easily access NASCSP's official position on a wide range of issues and legislation affecting the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
We are also making every effort to provide visualizations of the WAP "in action" and provide examples of the work being done in your state. We encourage you to check back often since exciting developments occurring every day, across the country.
If you have any questions or desire more information on any of the photos, video clips, news stories, or articles posted here, we encourage you to post a response directly to this web log so that we may share our answer with the rest of the WAP community.
Thanks, and enjoy!
We are also making every effort to provide visualizations of the WAP "in action" and provide examples of the work being done in your state. We encourage you to check back often since exciting developments occurring every day, across the country.
If you have any questions or desire more information on any of the photos, video clips, news stories, or articles posted here, we encourage you to post a response directly to this web log so that we may share our answer with the rest of the WAP community.
Thanks, and enjoy!
Policy Position: General Concerns and FY08 Funding
The Continuing Resolution in place for FY07 provided the Department of Energy with an unusual amount of discretion in determining the funding levels for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) that are not identified as a single line item in the federal budget. DOE opted to reduce the WAP funding from the FY06 level of $242.5 million to $204.5 million, or a $38 million cut from the previous year.
This funding reduction equates to at least 17,000 fewer households being served in FY07. For every million that is cut from our program 450-500 low-income families go without crucial energy efficiency measures on their homes. Such cuts are particularly devastating in light of the ever-increasing demand for WAP services by millions of households across the nation. Insufficient program funding causes these massive waiting lists and these lists will continue to grow if funding remains stagnant or is lowered.
Beyond the direct benefits provided to families who receive WAP services -like an average of $360 in first year energy savings, continued savings potential for many years in the future, and healthier and safer living conditions - there are countless positive environmental benefits. We reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil per year. In fact, an average of 30.5 million MBtu of energy is saved as a result of WAP services - equaling nearly a 25 percent reduction in primary heating fuel use by those homes being weatherized.
We are grateful to Senator Sanders (R-VT) for recognizing the many benefits of our program and including an amendment to the 2007 Iraq War Supplemental. This provision would have restored an additional $25 million in WAP funds for FY07. Unfortunately, this language was dropped in the Joint Conference and funding remains at the $204.5 million level for 2007.
As the FY08 budget and appropriations process begins, the Administration provided the first challenge to WAP by again reducing their 2008 request another $20 million -from $164 million in 2007 to $144 million in 2008. This is far below what Congress supported in 2007 and what the program requires to support its infrastructure and to maintain its core capacity to serve in every political subdivision of the country.
Fortunately, Congress is already demonstrating its support for the WAP. In May, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee reported its FY08 markups including $245.5 million for the WAP, a 20% increase above the DOE 2007 funding level. This bill made it to full committee without amendments and includes language
that will allow 2008 funds to be drawn down early to compensate for the FY07 loss.
We thank Chairman Visclosky (D-IN) and Ranking Member Hobson (R-OH) for their support of the WAP through these critical funds. We have held several meetings with Senate staff and have related our desire to receive a comparable (or higher) funding level offered by the House. We hope that the value of this excellent program will be recognized, and that the WAP will receive the highest funding possible so that the network can continue to serve as the nation's leader in home energy conservation.
This funding reduction equates to at least 17,000 fewer households being served in FY07. For every million that is cut from our program 450-500 low-income families go without crucial energy efficiency measures on their homes. Such cuts are particularly devastating in light of the ever-increasing demand for WAP services by millions of households across the nation. Insufficient program funding causes these massive waiting lists and these lists will continue to grow if funding remains stagnant or is lowered.
Beyond the direct benefits provided to families who receive WAP services -like an average of $360 in first year energy savings, continued savings potential for many years in the future, and healthier and safer living conditions - there are countless positive environmental benefits. We reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil per year. In fact, an average of 30.5 million MBtu of energy is saved as a result of WAP services - equaling nearly a 25 percent reduction in primary heating fuel use by those homes being weatherized.
We are grateful to Senator Sanders (R-VT) for recognizing the many benefits of our program and including an amendment to the 2007 Iraq War Supplemental. This provision would have restored an additional $25 million in WAP funds for FY07. Unfortunately, this language was dropped in the Joint Conference and funding remains at the $204.5 million level for 2007.
As the FY08 budget and appropriations process begins, the Administration provided the first challenge to WAP by again reducing their 2008 request another $20 million -from $164 million in 2007 to $144 million in 2008. This is far below what Congress supported in 2007 and what the program requires to support its infrastructure and to maintain its core capacity to serve in every political subdivision of the country.
Fortunately, Congress is already demonstrating its support for the WAP. In May, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee reported its FY08 markups including $245.5 million for the WAP, a 20% increase above the DOE 2007 funding level. This bill made it to full committee without amendments and includes language
that will allow 2008 funds to be drawn down early to compensate for the FY07 loss.
We thank Chairman Visclosky (D-IN) and Ranking Member Hobson (R-OH) for their support of the WAP through these critical funds. We have held several meetings with Senate staff and have related our desire to receive a comparable (or higher) funding level offered by the House. We hope that the value of this excellent program will be recognized, and that the WAP will receive the highest funding possible so that the network can continue to serve as the nation's leader in home energy conservation.
Policy Position: Section 275 of S 1419- Energy and Environmental Block Grant
Issue: Section 275 of S 1419- Energy and Environmental Block Grant
S.1419 Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 (Placed on Calendar in Senate)
SEC. 275. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK GRANT.
While NASCSP does not oppose the block grant described below, we are concerned that the language regarding what programs this grant would encompass is vague and may be redundant. There are already several state administered programs that address conservation issues, like the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. Their inclusion in this block grant could be extremely confusing and potentially detrimental to the WAP network that exists today.
Our greater concern is that funding within the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee is very limited and usually insufficient to meet the needs of the projects already in place. Adding a multi-billion dollar block could require the Subcommittee to find funding for this new initiative among already existing programs. NASCSP cannot support the shifting of funds from the WAP or the State Energy Program to pay for this new initiative. NASCSP would like to see a separate funding source identified for this block grant and coordination/cooperation between state and local governments and within units of local government before we can begin to provide public support for this new block grant.
Grant Language
(a) Definitions- In this section
(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term `eligible entity' means--
(A) a State;
(B) an eligible unit of local government within a State; and
(C) an Indian tribe.
(2) ELIGIBLE UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT- The term `eligible unit of local government' means--
(A) a city with a population--
(i) of at least 35,000; or
(ii) that causes the city to be 1 of the top 10 most populous cities of the State in which the city is located; and
(B) a county with a population--
(i) of at least 200,000; or
(ii) that causes the county to be 1 of the top 10 most populous counties of the State in which the county is located.
(3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy.
(4) STATE- The term `State' means--
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this section is to assist State and local governments in implementing strategies-
(1) to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the boundaries of the States or units of local government;
(2) to reduce the total energy use of the States and units of local government; and
(3) to improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, building sector, and any other appropriate sectors.
(c) Program-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide to eligible entities block grants to carry out eligible activities (as specified under paragraph (2)) relating to the implementation of environmentally beneficial energy strategies.
(2) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES- The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall establish a list of activities that are eligible for assistance under the grant program.
(3) ALLOCATION TO STATES AND ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT-
(A) IN GENERAL- Of the amounts made available to provide grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall allocate--
(i) 70 percent to eligible units of local government; and
(ii) 30 percent to States.
(B) DISTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT-
(i) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall establish a formula for the distribution of amounts under subparagraph (A)(i) to eligible units of local government, taking into account any factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate, including the residential and daytime population of the eligible units of local government.
(ii) CRITERIA- Amounts shall be distributed to eligible units of local government under clause (i) only if the eligible units of local government meet the criteria for distribution established by the Secretary for units of local government.
(C) DISTRIBUTION TO STATES-
(i) IN GENERAL- Of the amounts provided to States under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall distribute--
(I) at least 1.25 percent to each State; and
(II) the remainder among the States, based on a formula, to be determined by the Secretary, that takes into account the population of the States and any other criteria that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(ii) CRITERIA- Amounts shall be distributed to States under clause (i) only if the States meet the criteria for distribution established by the Secretary for States.
(iii) LIMITATION ON USE OF STATE FUNDS- At least 40 percent of the amounts distributed to States under this subparagraph shall be used by the States for the conduct of eligible activities in nonentitlement areas in the States, in accordance with any criteria established by the Secretary.
(4) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date on which an eligible entity first receives a grant under this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes any eligible activities carried out using assistance provided under this subsection.
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(d) Environmentally Beneficial Energy Strategies Supplemental Grant Program-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide to each eligible entity that meets the applicable criteria under subparagraph (B)(ii) or (C)(ii) of subsection (c)(3) a supplemental grant to pay the Federal share of the total costs of carrying out an activity relating to the implementation of an environmentally beneficial energy strategy.
(2) REQUIREMENTS- To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall--
(A) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the eligible entity meets the applicable criteria under subparagraph (B)(ii) or (C)(ii) of subsection (c)(3); and
(B) submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that describes the activities to be funded by the grant.
(3) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT-
(A) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of carrying out any activities under this subsection shall be 75 percent.
(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE-
(i) FORM- Not more than 50 percent of the non-Federal share may be in the form of in-kind contributions.
(ii) LIMITATION- Amounts provided to an eligible entity under subsection (c) shall not be used toward the non-Federal share.
(4) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT- An eligible entity shall provide assurances to the Secretary that funds provided to the eligible entity under this subsection will be used only to supplement, not to supplant, the amount of Federal, State, and local funds otherwise expended by the eligible entity for eligible activities under this subsection.
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(e) Grants to Other States and Communities-
(1) IN GENERAL- Of the total amount of funds that are made available each fiscal year to carry out this section, the Secretary shall use 2 percent of the amount to make competitive grants under this section to States and units of local government that are not eligible entities or to consortia of such units of local government.
(2) APPLICATIONS- To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a State, unit of local government, or consortia described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the Secretary for a grant to carry out an activity that would otherwise be eligible for a grant under subsection (c) or (d).
(3) PRIORITY- In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to--
(A) States with populations of less than 2,000,000; and
(B) projects that would result in significant energy efficiency improvements, reductions in fossil fuel use, or capital improvements.'.
S.1419 Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 (Placed on Calendar in Senate)
SEC. 275. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK GRANT.
While NASCSP does not oppose the block grant described below, we are concerned that the language regarding what programs this grant would encompass is vague and may be redundant. There are already several state administered programs that address conservation issues, like the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. Their inclusion in this block grant could be extremely confusing and potentially detrimental to the WAP network that exists today.
Our greater concern is that funding within the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee is very limited and usually insufficient to meet the needs of the projects already in place. Adding a multi-billion dollar block could require the Subcommittee to find funding for this new initiative among already existing programs. NASCSP cannot support the shifting of funds from the WAP or the State Energy Program to pay for this new initiative. NASCSP would like to see a separate funding source identified for this block grant and coordination/cooperation between state and local governments and within units of local government before we can begin to provide public support for this new block grant.
Grant Language
(a) Definitions- In this section
(1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term `eligible entity' means--
(A) a State;
(B) an eligible unit of local government within a State; and
(C) an Indian tribe.
(2) ELIGIBLE UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT- The term `eligible unit of local government' means--
(A) a city with a population--
(i) of at least 35,000; or
(ii) that causes the city to be 1 of the top 10 most populous cities of the State in which the city is located; and
(B) a county with a population--
(i) of at least 200,000; or
(ii) that causes the county to be 1 of the top 10 most populous counties of the State in which the county is located.
(3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy.
(4) STATE- The term `State' means--
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this section is to assist State and local governments in implementing strategies-
(1) to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the boundaries of the States or units of local government;
(2) to reduce the total energy use of the States and units of local government; and
(3) to improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, building sector, and any other appropriate sectors.
(c) Program-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide to eligible entities block grants to carry out eligible activities (as specified under paragraph (2)) relating to the implementation of environmentally beneficial energy strategies.
(2) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES- The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall establish a list of activities that are eligible for assistance under the grant program.
(3) ALLOCATION TO STATES AND ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT-
(A) IN GENERAL- Of the amounts made available to provide grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall allocate--
(i) 70 percent to eligible units of local government; and
(ii) 30 percent to States.
(B) DISTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT-
(i) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall establish a formula for the distribution of amounts under subparagraph (A)(i) to eligible units of local government, taking into account any factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate, including the residential and daytime population of the eligible units of local government.
(ii) CRITERIA- Amounts shall be distributed to eligible units of local government under clause (i) only if the eligible units of local government meet the criteria for distribution established by the Secretary for units of local government.
(C) DISTRIBUTION TO STATES-
(i) IN GENERAL- Of the amounts provided to States under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall distribute--
(I) at least 1.25 percent to each State; and
(II) the remainder among the States, based on a formula, to be determined by the Secretary, that takes into account the population of the States and any other criteria that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(ii) CRITERIA- Amounts shall be distributed to States under clause (i) only if the States meet the criteria for distribution established by the Secretary for States.
(iii) LIMITATION ON USE OF STATE FUNDS- At least 40 percent of the amounts distributed to States under this subparagraph shall be used by the States for the conduct of eligible activities in nonentitlement areas in the States, in accordance with any criteria established by the Secretary.
(4) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date on which an eligible entity first receives a grant under this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes any eligible activities carried out using assistance provided under this subsection.
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(d) Environmentally Beneficial Energy Strategies Supplemental Grant Program-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide to each eligible entity that meets the applicable criteria under subparagraph (B)(ii) or (C)(ii) of subsection (c)(3) a supplemental grant to pay the Federal share of the total costs of carrying out an activity relating to the implementation of an environmentally beneficial energy strategy.
(2) REQUIREMENTS- To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall--
(A) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the eligible entity meets the applicable criteria under subparagraph (B)(ii) or (C)(ii) of subsection (c)(3); and
(B) submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that describes the activities to be funded by the grant.
(3) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT-
(A) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of carrying out any activities under this subsection shall be 75 percent.
(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE-
(i) FORM- Not more than 50 percent of the non-Federal share may be in the form of in-kind contributions.
(ii) LIMITATION- Amounts provided to an eligible entity under subsection (c) shall not be used toward the non-Federal share.
(4) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT- An eligible entity shall provide assurances to the Secretary that funds provided to the eligible entity under this subsection will be used only to supplement, not to supplant, the amount of Federal, State, and local funds otherwise expended by the eligible entity for eligible activities under this subsection.
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(e) Grants to Other States and Communities-
(1) IN GENERAL- Of the total amount of funds that are made available each fiscal year to carry out this section, the Secretary shall use 2 percent of the amount to make competitive grants under this section to States and units of local government that are not eligible entities or to consortia of such units of local government.
(2) APPLICATIONS- To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a State, unit of local government, or consortia described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the Secretary for a grant to carry out an activity that would otherwise be eligible for a grant under subsection (c) or (d).
(3) PRIORITY- In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to--
(A) States with populations of less than 2,000,000; and
(B) projects that would result in significant energy efficiency improvements, reductions in fossil fuel use, or capital improvements.'.
Friday, June 8, 2007
FY08 Update for WAP and LIHEAP
The full House Appropriations Committee completed it's mark up of the 2008 Energy and Water bill earlier this week.
Weatherization funding for FY08 has been set at $245.6 million - $101 million more than the Administration's recommendation. The bill should be sent to the House floor for a vote later this month.
A breakdown of the figures for FY08 E&W funding can be found here.
Mark up for the Senate version of the Energy and Water bill should occur sometime between mid to late June.
Meanwhile, the House Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Appropriations provided $2.662 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)for FY08, an increase of $500 million over the comparable amount provided for FY07. The bill provides for FY08: $1.98 billion in block grant funding, the same level as provided in FY07 and $682 million in contingency funds, an increase of about $500 million over the FY07 contingency fund level of $181.7.
The subcommittee release regading funding for LIHEAP and other programs can be found here.
Weatherization funding for FY08 has been set at $245.6 million - $101 million more than the Administration's recommendation. The bill should be sent to the House floor for a vote later this month.
A breakdown of the figures for FY08 E&W funding can be found here.
Mark up for the Senate version of the Energy and Water bill should occur sometime between mid to late June.
Meanwhile, the House Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Appropriations provided $2.662 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)for FY08, an increase of $500 million over the comparable amount provided for FY07. The bill provides for FY08: $1.98 billion in block grant funding, the same level as provided in FY07 and $682 million in contingency funds, an increase of about $500 million over the FY07 contingency fund level of $181.7.
The subcommittee release regading funding for LIHEAP and other programs can be found here.