Natural Resources Committee Home

June 16, 2008

Dear Chairman Dorgan, Senator Domenici, Chairman Obey, and Representative Lewis:

The nation's governors urge Congress to support federal-state programs that assist states in promoting energy security. Specifically, we urge you to fully fund the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) with appropriate funds for advanced fossil fuel and renewable energy technologies, the State Energy Program (SEP), and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

Governors believe that funding should be available for research, development, and deployment of advanced energy technologies to promote energy diversity, including incentivizing carbon sequestration techniques, encouraging next generation clean coal technology, and enhancing oil and gas recovery. EPACT 2005 and EISA 2007 authorized many of these projects; however, they have not been adequately funded. Governors also believe that the federal clean energy loan guarantees should be implemented as soon as practicable.

Governors urge you to fund the State Energy Program at no less than $75 million in FY 2009. Reauthorized as part of EPACT 2005, SEP is the primary state-federal cooperative program addressing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in all sectors of the economy. State Energy Offices match federal dollars with state, local and private funds to help homeowners, small businesses, schools, municipalities and hospitals save energy. Such an investment helps reduce energy demand by allowing states to leverage specific investments in a variety of energy efficiency projects such as promoting Energy Star products and homes, conducting public information campaigns, and preparing for energy emergencies.

Governors also urge you to fund the Weatherization Assistance Program at $300 million in FY 2009. Eliminated in the President's FY 2009 budget request, WAP helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled by improving the energy efficiency of low-income housing. Increased funding would allow WAP to expand and reduce energy usage by approximately 25 percent in each assisted home.

Congress has an opportunity to work with states to save significant amounts of energy costs and make a difference in the lives of our citizens and our energy security. We look forward to working with you as you move forward with consideration of the FY 2009 spending bills.

Sincerely,