[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 777 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 777

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should 
be established a National Weatherization Day to recognize the need for 
   reducing home energy costs, particularly for low-income families, 
 through the use of conservation technologies, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 17, 2004

 Mr. Meehan (for himself, Mr. Sanders, Mr. McGovern, Mr. English, Mr. 
   McNulty, Mr. Allen, Mr. Dingell, and Mr. Grijalva) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government 
                                 Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should 
be established a National Weatherization Day to recognize the need for 
   reducing home energy costs, particularly for low-income families, 
 through the use of conservation technologies, and for other purposes.

Whereas Congress has long recognized the plight of low-income families and 
        individuals in meeting their home energy needs;
Whereas low income households, particularly those with elderly persons, persons 
        with disabilities, or small children, spend an average of more than 14 
        percent of their annual income on energy, compared with 3.5 percent in 
        homes that are not low income households;
Whereas the Department of Energy developed the Weatherization Assistance Program 
        in 1976 to help reduce energy costs, while maintaining health and 
        safety, for low-income families through increased home energy 
        efficiency;
Whereas the weatherization program operates in all 50 States and the District of 
        Columbia and serves low-income families in owned or rented homes;
Whereas investment in the weatherization program by the Federal Government and 
        other sources supports more than 25,000 jobs across the country within 
        related industries;
Whereas for every $1 invested in the weatherization program, low-income families 
        receive a total of $2.78 in benefits, $1.30 in energy-related benefits 
        and $1.48 in other benefits, including reductions of pollution, 
        unemployment, and adverse health concerns;
Whereas based on current fuel costs, low-income families save an average of $350 
        each year on their energy bills after their homes have been weatherized, 
        thereby avoiding one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions annually and 
        lessening the need for imported oil;
Whereas by decreasing the amount of personal income spent on home energy, the 
        weatherization program makes housing more affordable, reduces cases of 
        homelessness, and lowers the demand for public assistance;
Whereas many States have adopted October 30 of each year as Weatherization Day 
        to draw attention to the accomplishments of the weatherization program 
        in low-income communities while emphasizing the importance of 
        conservation technologies in increasing home energy efficiency;
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes this practice as ideal for 
        focusing attention on the essential activities of the weatherization 
        program; and
Whereas October 30 would be an appropriate day to establish as National 
        Weatherization Day: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives 
that--
            (1) there should be established a National Weatherization 
        Day to recognize the need for reducing home energy costs, 
        particularly for low-income families, through the use of 
        conservation technologies; and
            (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling on 
        the people of the United States to observe National 
        Weatherization Day with appropriate programs and activities.
                                 <all>