Energy
Over 100 years ago Western New York learned how to turn water into energy. Hydropower spurred incredible job growth in our region and revolutionized manufacturing. Brian believes that we can learn from our history and that by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and innovating with clean energy technologies made right here in America we can power our homes, businesses, and nation’s infrastructure systems in a way that sustains us for the next 100 years. Brian has consistently fought on behalf of Western New York families to keep the economic benefits of the Niagara Power Project in Western New York. He has also fought against harmful speculative trading practices that drive up the price of gasoline and increase big oil profits. In both Western New York and Washington, DC, Brian has helped to preserve HEAP funding for struggling seniors and families, who should never have to make the choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
More on Energy
The federal government will be launching a pilot program to provide training to veterans seeking jobs in the solar industry and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is urging the U.S. Department of Energy to designate the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station as one of the sites.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is asking the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess a proposal which could transport liquid nuclear waste from Ontario, Canada to a location in South Carolina crossing the Peace Bridge and traveling through Western New York.
“Actions by the New York Power Authority today advanced an acceleration of the cash payments totaling over $13 million to the City of Niagara Falls provided for under the 2005 relicensing of the Niagara Power Project. This serves to meet the immediate needs of Niagara Falls but the City deserves much better.
Congressman Brian Higgins, along with over 90 of his House of Representatives colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius urging the Department to immediately release the maximum amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is investing a total of $700,000 in two Buffalo-area companies that are developing environmentally-friendly technologies that generate electricity while reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Congressman Higgins released the following statement after reports of high public demand for help offered through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Today marks the first day New Yorkers can apply for HEAP.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced he is an original cosponsor of the Low Income Heating Improvement Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Tom Reed (NY-29) and also cosponsored by Congressmembers Kathy Hochul (NY-26) and Louise Slaughter (NY-28), to ensure that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds are directed first to cold-weather states.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) took to the Floor of the House of Representatives to oppose a move that will slash heating assistance for seniors this winter. Last week Higgins sent a letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services & Education calling for cuts to be restored. He is also joining his colleagues on the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition in opposition to the Home En