Rockland Reporter

Reps. Mike Lawler, Paul D. Tonko, Marcy Kaptur, Josh Riley, and James Moylan have introduced H.R. 1355, known as the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to invest in home weatherization efforts to reduce energy costs for low-income families while improving safety and energy efficiency.

The bill seeks to enhance the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which currently helps households save an average of $372 annually on energy bills through cost-effective retrofits. "The Weatherization Assistance Program has been a lifeline for low-income households," said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). He emphasized the need to expand access to WAP and address structural deficiencies and health hazards in homes.

Congressman Tonko (NY-20) highlighted the program's long-standing benefits: "For nearly 50 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has served as a pillar for millions of American families." He noted that the new act would further strengthen WAP's role in making communities more resilient and energy-efficient.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) expressed her commitment to improving the program's efficacy: "Our goal is to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the Weatherization Assistance Program." She praised her colleagues for their bipartisan effort to permanently authorize the Weatherization Readiness Program.

Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) criticized utility companies' rate hikes while supporting measures that benefit working families: "This bipartisan bill helps families make home improvements to save on utilities while creating good-paying union jobs."

The proposed legislation includes several key components:

- Reauthorizing WAP through Fiscal Year 2030.

- Increasing the statutory Average Cost Per Unit from $6,500 to $12,000.

- Authorizing funds for addressing structural issues and environmental hazards.

- Allocating $50 million annually through Fiscal Year 2030 for readiness programs.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.