The Campaign for Home Energy Assistance Delivers
Letter to House and Senate Conferees to Include LIHEAP
Reauthorization in Final Report on Energy Bill 2003
November 17, 2003
The Honorable W. J. Tauzin
U.S. House of Representatives
2183 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1803
Dear Chairman Tauzin:
On behalf of the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance, I am writing
to express support for language in the Energy Policy Act of 2003
to reauthorize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at
$3.4 billion annually through Fiscal Year 2006. The increased authorization
for LIHEAP is essential to help protect our most vulnerable citizens
from the ravages of winter cold and summer heat.
Price volatility, temperature extremes and an unstable economy have
combined to create a "perfect storm" devastating America’s
senior citizens, the disabled and working poor. These people generally
carry a higher energy burden than most U.S. households and often
find heating and cooling costs dangerously unaffordable.
According to recent Census Bureau data, 34.8 million Americans fell
below the federal poverty level last year – 1.4 million more
than in 2001 – and accounted for 12.4 percent of the U.S.
population. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show that 8.9 million
Americans are currently unemployed.
The Energy Information Agency’s August 2003 energy outlook,
meanwhile, predicts relatively stable heating oil and propane prices
for consumers in the coming winter when compared with last year,
while natural gas prices may be somewhat higher. EIA says Midwest
households are expected to pay $865 for gas service this winter
compared with $792 in 2002-2003.
Yet even if consumer energy prices decline and the economy improves,
LIHEAP would be underfunded. Currently, only about one out of every
five households eligible for benefits actually receives assistance.
Many states regularly run out of LIHEAP funds and are forced to
limit benefits, serve fewer eligible recipients or discontinue their
programs before the end of the heating season. In states where cooling
assistance is essential, programs also fall far short of the need.
An increase in the appropriation for LIHEAP is absolutely essential,
but it cannot come without a higher authorization level. We wholeheartedly
support the $3.4 billion authorization.
Respectfully,
David Fox
The Campaign For Home Energy Assistance
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