Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am joining Senator Collins in introducing the Green Retrofits Act of 2021, which seeks to boost energy efficiency in multifamily residential homes across the Nation.

The legislation would accomplish this goal through two complimentary paths. First, the bill would authorize a public-private partnership program to make energy efficiency upgrades to properties currently receiving assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Second, it would direct the Secretary of HUD to create a program to distribute grants and loans for energy efficiency and home health upgrades in multifamily homes.

One of the most important investments we can make for our environment and our economy is in energy efficiency. Indeed, building a cleaner, more efficient energy system will increase America's global competitiveness, support job growth, and save families and businesses money through reduced energy consumption--all while reducing our carbon footprint. Further, investments in efficiency can be undertaken quickly and provide immediate benefits.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, more than half of energy consumption in U.S. households is for two basic needs: heating and cooling. As our constituents in Maine and Rhode Island know all too well, these bills can get quite high during New England winters, and no one should be forced to choose between staying warm in the winter and buying groceries and medicine for their families. Improving the efficiency of building components such as heating, cooling, and lighting systems will help households lower their energy bills, reduce health and safety risks, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Our legislation is supported nationally by the National Center for Healthy Housing, and in my state by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Rhode Island Housing. These state agencies have both made significant strides in clean energy and energy efficiency policy and I am glad this legislation will provide more resources to bolster those efforts.

With our economy still recovering from the pandemic, and the threat of climate change continuing to mount, it is more important than ever that we take steps to reduce costs for American families and decrease energy consumption.

I urge our colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense legislation. ______

By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth):

S. 2362. A bill to require rulemaking by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address considerations in evaluating the need for public and individual disaster assistance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

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