By Richard C. Dujardin
WASHINGTON -- A group of 34 U.S. senators led by Rhode Island's Jack Reed are urging U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu to use his authority to prevent the program that helps people to weatherize their homes from being further reduced.
The program's funds were slashed from $174 million to $68 million in fiscal year 2012 and is likely to face another reduction this year because of the sequester.
The senators said they realize that the Energy Department faces tough budget challenges, but that they believe programs such as the Weatherization Assistance Program which helps to create jobs and make homes more energy efficient, returns "significant benefits to society."
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse also signed the letter.