Recent energy program budget cuts will affect many Americans who are least able to afford such cuts. Despite weatherization being an effort that the DOE has described as its most cost effective program, funding for low income weatherization assistance has been reduced by 60%. Energy assistance funds which allow many low-income citizens to pay their energy bills and have heat during the winter have also been substantially reduced. more budget cut reports
The movement to reduce asthma triggers in homes in combination with weatherization gained momentum in 2011. A series of regional conferences across the United States were held to educate weatherization program and community health administrative staff on how simple measures can be added to traditional weatherization to reduce the onset of asthma attacks for household members with a range of resulting benefits.
More information about the conferences and Weatherization Plus Health can be found here: Weatherization Plus Health
The Dept. of Energy released a guidance document on October 14, 2011 with procedures for completion and closure of weatherization grants for ARRA funded work. Weatherization funding officially ends at the end of 2011. This document is available online: ARRA Grant Closeout. A complete and up-to-date collection of guidance documents for weatherization programs is maintained here: WAPTAC weatherization guidance.
© 2012 EOW
