Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, Stansbury Welcome $2 Million to Help New Mexico’s Working Families Lower Energy Costs, Make Homes More Energy Efficient

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) welcomed $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help working families in New Mexico lower energy costs by making their homes more energy efficient. The funding was made possible through the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program's Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) grant.

This federal grant will fund weatherization projects for 85 housing units across New Mexico. These projects will include installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, solar panels, and electrical upgrades. At least half of the funds will be directed to disadvantaged communities through a partnership with Central New Mexico Housing Corporation (CNMHC), a minority-led nonprofit.

"Energy-efficient homes contribute to healthier, cleaner communities and lower energy costs," said Heinrich. "I'm pleased to welcome $2 million to help New Mexico's working families access the tools and materials they need to make their homes more energy efficient and lower their utility bills. I will keep fighting hard to ensure everyone is included in the clean energy future New Mexico is pioneering."

"I'm proud to welcome $2 million to help reduce energy costs for New Mexican families,"said Luján. "This funding will allow families to improve their home's energy efficiency and lower their utility bills. It reflects a commitment to protecting our planet and easing financial burdens for New Mexicans. By investing in sustainable solutions, we're creating a greener future and stronger local economies."

"This grant will help working families in New Mexico keep more of their paychecks by reducing their energy bills through energy-efficient home improvements. Energy-efficient homes not only help make our air and water cleaner, they also keep families safer and healthier," said Leger Fernández.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is helping families in New Mexico every way they can, and this $2 million grant is one more way we see them fighting for the working class,"said Stansbury. "No one should have to choose between paying energy bills to keep the lights on and putting food on the table. Curbing energy costs and making the clean energy future more accessible is great news for people in New Mexico's First Congressional District."

Heinrich has pushed to broaden the Weatherization Assistance Program(WAP) and provide working families with expanded resources not traditionally included in WAP, through the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In July, Heinrich cosponsored the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, legislation to bolster WAP by growing the number of homes the program is able to serve. The bill also seeks to increase the amount of funding allowed to be spent on each home, to keep up with labor and material costs, and raise the cap on the amount of funding allowed to be spent on renewable energy upgrades in each home.

Heinrich also cosponsored legislation to expand home modifications for seniors to allow them to live comfortably and safe in their own homes. The bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include home modification measures related to heating, cooling, air quality, energy efficiency, and assistance with utility and power.

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