Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) applauded today's announcement by Vice President Joe Biden and the Department of Energy that $80,694,236 is on its way to Oregon in weatherization funding and energy efficiency grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) applauded today’s announcement by Vice President Joe Biden and the Department of Energy that $80,694,236 is on its way to Oregon in weatherization funding and energy efficiency grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“This money is available immediately to not only create new jobs but also help Oregon families save money on their energy bills,” said Schrader. “As a small business owner who has struggled to make ends meet I understand how important cost savings can be for families dealing with this tough economic climate. Today’s announcement is another example of recovery dollars coming to Oregon to help families while also keeping our nation on a path towards energy independence.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Oregon will receive $42,182,000 in State Energy Grants and $38,512,236 for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The State Energy Program funding will provide rebates to families for home energy audits or other improvements that reduce energy usage. According to the Department of Energy the funding can also be used for the development of renewable energy and alternative fuel projects, energy efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings and other efforts by individual states to help reduce the energy costs paid by American families. More information on this program can be found at http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program/.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) allows low-income families to save money on their energy bills by adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing air- conditioning and heating equipment. According to the Department of Energy, affected families will see their average heating bill reduced by 32% and overall bill by hundreds of dollars annually. WAP allows an average investment of up to $6,500 per home and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level – or approximately $44,000 per year for a family of four. More information on the WAP program can be found at http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/
