SHAHEEN SECURES INCREASED FUNDING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRIORITIES IN APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE BILL

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, included increased funding for several energy efficiency priorities in the Committee’s Energy and Water Development FY 2016 bill.

“Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to meet our energy needs, create job growth and improve our nation’s energy security,” Shaheen said. “This appropriations bill, while not perfect, increases funding for important energy efficiency advances in our military and for low-income families. It also includes critical funding for New Hampshire’s North Country.”

Shaheen secured her funding request of $45 million for a program that helps the military expand their use of biofuels to reduce energy costs through the Defense Production Act. The program is a joint effort by the Navy, Department of Energy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture that will also support the commercial biofuels industry.

The bill also includes increased funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lower the cost of energy for low-income families by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes. The program provides grants to states, including New Hampshire, to work with local governments and non-profits to install more efficient energy technologies in homes. The bill increases funds for the program to $197 million.

The bill also meets Senator Shaheen’s full funding request of $7.5 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission, to help economic development in the Northern Forest region which includes New Hampshire’s North Country. This is an increase over the previous year’s level and the President’s funding request. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Marc Scarano as Federal Co-chairperson of the Northern Border Regional Commission, after he was recommended to the President by Senators Shaheen and Ayotte.