For Immediate Release
(Washington, D.C.)- Several groups came together to host a Weatherization Expo on Capitol Hill this week as part of the continued celebration of the 40th year of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The event served as an opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to learn more about the program at a time when Congressional support is more critical than ever.
Attendees had the opportunity meet the professionals who run WAP programs across the country and who train the highly skilled crews that deliver weatherization services. Various member states of the Energy OutWest group attended, including professionals from Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, North Dakota, and Virginia. At several stations set up around the room, they discussed aspects of the program such as energy savings, work force development and training, and health and safety benefits. A representative of Puget Sound Energy also presented on WAP leveraging partnerships, highlighting the crucial role of federal WAP funds in securing additional investments from utilities and other partners.
Community Housing Partners (CHP), a weatherization training center and weatherization provider in Christianburg, VA, conducted several demonstrations at the event. Many of the cutting edge diagnostic instruments and energy efficiency technologies used in the WAP were on display. CHP staff also educated attendees about residential building science with their House of Pressure and House of Moisture training tools.
Four members of Congress stopped by the event including Congressman Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA), and Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA). Despite bipartisan support in Congress, the Administration’s FY 2018 Budget proposal eliminates all funding for WAP. Congressman Cramer, whose office helped coordinate the event, gave an interview to the press highlighting the benefits of weatherization and opposing WAP budget cuts. He noted how investment in WAP in turn saves money on other programs.
The National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP), the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF), and the Community Action Partnership (CAP) also helped sponsor this event and continue to lead WAP advocacy efforts in Washington D.C.
Media Contact: Eric Behna, ebehna@nascsp.org, 202-370-3662
