spot_imgspot_img

Natural gas industry wants to ‘break the poverty cycle’

spot_img

(The Center Square) — The natural gas industry plans to push for more support of a federal program to cover energy costs for low-income families in 2024 while talking up safety and reliability.

“We need to break the poverty cycle by working together,” Jerry Norcia, chairman of the board of the American Gas Association, said in a press call on Monday. “Government, nonprofits and corporations can remove the barriers that prevent access to a prosperous future.”

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program has received more than $6 billion in funding in the latest fiscal year after dipping slightly from $8 billion in 2021 during the pandemic. The money covers heating and cooling assistance for qualifying families.

“LIHEAP serves 5.7 million American households and is a critical federal resource for many low-income customers in times of need,” Norcia said. “We as an industry need to advocate for more resources to help those in need in a time of need including LIHEAP funding.”

Karen Harbert, president and CEO of AGA, noted the group is a huge supporter of energy efficiency programs and spends $1.5 billion every year to help customers.

Norcia said that growing LIHEAP will be a focus of his time as AGA chairman.

The program has received criticism from fiscal watchdogs. The Heritage Foundation argued for the abolition of the federal program to save $120 billion over the next decade. Instead, it advocated for states to create their own programs.

“States and localities are better positioned to address the needs of their target populations that are not already addressed by other federal means-tested programs,” the foundation noted. “In fact, state policy changes in recent decades have rendered LIHEAP unnecessary. Additionally, endemic fraud and abuse undermine the program’s integrity. Policymakers should end LIHEAP, devolve responsibility for its goals back to the states, and restore real federalism to the welfare system.”

A 2011 Pennsylvania audit noted the state’s LIHEAP fraud problem which led to 13 convictions over more than $500,000 in stolen funds, including seven state employees.

Norcia and Harbert also touched on a perennial issue for Pennsylvania natural gas: permitting hurdles.

“One thing that unites the entire energy industry is the need for permitting reform,” Harbert said.

The big focus, she said, was on getting reasonable timelines for energy projects.

“The fact that it took an act of Congress to approve the Mountain Valley Pipeline…isn’t really the way we want to run a 21st-century economy,” Harbert said. “At the end of the day, we are going to need some more reasonable permitting reform, some reasonable timelines, and not the ability to sue over and over and over again on every single part of the permit.”

Otherwise, she said, energy projects will take longer to build and become more expensive.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

The Melanin Effect: The Ignorance That Puts Millions Of Americans In Danger

Scientific research is becoming more inclusive, but one area...

The Truth About PCOS: Birth Control, Infertility, And Gaps In Research

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects at least one in ten...

Appeals Court upholds TikTok sale or ban law

A federal appeals court upheld the law ordering China-based...

Spokane props up homeless dashboard showing how many leave shelter, exit services

(The Center Square) – Spokane launched a new homelessness...

Reports agree: Louisiana faces unfunded liabilities in pension system

(The Center Square) — Separate studies have come to...

Sonya Massey’s family urges Illinois courts to keep accused killer jailed pretrial

(The Center Square) – Family and supporters of Sonya...

Hunter Biden pardon may pave the way for Trump pardons

President Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter...

More like this
Related

The Melanin Effect: The Ignorance That Puts Millions Of Americans In Danger

Scientific research is becoming more inclusive, but one area...

The Truth About PCOS: Birth Control, Infertility, And Gaps In Research

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects at least one in ten...

Report: average American household has more than $10,000 in credit card debt

A new study of Americans credit card debt finds...

Appeals Court upholds TikTok sale or ban law

A federal appeals court upheld the law ordering China-based...