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| Wilson Highlights Need for Energy Policy and Reduced Dependence on Foreign Oil |
June 02, 2005 |
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NM Rep. Tours Home Depot to Learn about Consumer Conservation
Albuquerque, NM – Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today toured an Albuquerque Home Depot, visiting with staff and customers while learning about energy conservation in home appliances. Wilson also says the Energy bill reauthorizes funding that helps low income Americans with the costs associated with heating and cooling their homes.
Wilson says establishing a long term energy policy is increasingly important. The legislation will now await action in the U.S. Senate, which passed a bill last week out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The energy legislation would work toward lower fuel prices by reducing America’s dependence on foreign supplies. Wilson advocates a comprehensive strategy that includes energy exploration, encouraging conservation and development of renewable energy.
“When we considered comprehensive energy legislation three years ago oil was selling for around $20 dollars a barrel. Now, the price of oil topped $57 dollars a barrel,” Wilson said. “We need a balanced, long term energy policy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and preserve the beauty of the land we love.”
Wilson also said the bill reauthorizes the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program that helps low-income households with the costs of heating or cooling their homes. The Department of Energy also has a program that helps teach consumers how to weatherize their homes to maximize their energy efficiency. The DOE Weatherization program can dispatch professionals who will tune up or replace home units that are energy inefficient. They can also teach low-income homeowners or residents how to be more energy efficient. The average low-income resident saw a 23% cut in energy bills after this service.
Consumers interested in either program can get more information by calling:
Low Income Energy Assistance Program: 1-800-432-6217
Department of Energy Weatherization Program: 505-843-6880
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