Gas industry aims to end poverty cycle
The Natural Gas Industry Advocates for Increased Support for Low-Income Families
The natural gas industry is determined to rally support for a federal program aimed at covering energy costs for low-income families in 2024. In addition to emphasizing safety and reliability, industry leaders are calling for collaboration between government, nonprofits, and corporations to break the cycle of poverty and provide access to a prosperous future.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, which offers heating and cooling assistance to qualifying families, received over $6 billion in funding in the latest fiscal year. Although this amount decreased slightly from $8 billion in 2021 due to the pandemic, LIHEAP remains a critical federal resource for 5.7 million American households in times of need.
“LIHEAP serves as a lifeline for many low-income customers,” stated Jerry Norcia, Chairman of the Board of the American Gas Association. “As an industry, we must advocate for additional resources to support those in need, including increased funding for LIHEAP.”
Support for Energy Efficiency Programs
The American Gas Association is a strong proponent of energy efficiency programs and allocates $1.5 billion annually to assist customers. Norcia, who is also the AGA chairman, expressed his commitment to prioritizing the growth of LIHEAP.
Criticism and the Call for Permitting Reform
While LIHEAP has faced criticism from fiscal watchdogs, such as the Heritage Foundation, which argues for its abolition, industry leaders believe that states and localities are better equipped to address the needs of their target populations. However, Norcia and Karen Harbert, President and CEO of AGA, stressed the urgent need for permitting reform to overcome the obstacles faced by the Pennsylvania natural gas industry.
“Permitting hurdles pose a significant challenge for the entire energy industry,” Harbert explained. ”We must strive for reasonable timelines and avoid the need for repetitive lawsuits that hinder the progress of energy projects. Otherwise, construction will be delayed, and costs will escalate.”
What are the benefits of increased support for low-income families in meeting their energy costs?
Y, the industry is committed to advocating for increased financial assistance for low-income families.
Many low-income families struggle to afford basic necessities, including energy costs. The natural gas industry recognizes this hardship and believes in the importance of providing support to those who are most vulnerable. As a result, they are urging policymakers to increase funding for federal programs that specifically target low-income families in need of assistance.
One such program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help cover their energy costs. This program has been crucial in alleviating the burden of energy expenses for many struggling families, but it has faced challenges due to limited funding.
The natural gas industry advocates for increased support for LIHEAP for several reasons. Firstly, affordable energy is a basic necessity that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level. By providing financial assistance, LIHEAP ensures that low-income families can meet their energy needs and maintain a comfortable living environment.
Secondly, supporting low-income families in meeting their energy expenses is not only socially responsible but also economically sensible. When families are unable to afford necessary energy costs, they may resort to dangerous and inefficient methods of heating, such as using space heaters or leaving ovens on for extended periods. This can lead to increased fire risks and health hazards. By investing in programs like LIHEAP, the natural gas industry is helping to promote not only safety but also energy efficiency.
Furthermore, increased support for low-income families in covering their energy costs can have a positive impact on the natural gas industry itself. As energy costs become more affordable, more households can access and utilize natural gas. This can lead to an increase in demand, benefiting natural gas providers, suppliers, and the overall industry.
To effectively advocate for increased support for low-income families, the natural gas industry is actively engaging with policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. They are providing data and evidence that demonstrates the benefits of increased financial assistance for low-income households. By highlighting the positive social, economic, and environmental impacts, the industry hopes to gain support for their cause.
In conclusion, the natural gas industry strongly advocates for increased support for low-income families in meeting their energy costs. By emphasizing the importance of affordable energy, the industry aims to secure additional funding for programs such as LIHEAP. Through increased support, low-income families can access and afford necessary energy, promoting safety, energy efficiency, and overall well-being. The natural gas industry’s commitment to advocating for increased support for low-income families demonstrates their dedication to social responsibility and their recognition of the benefits that such support brings to both families and the industry.
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