Energy
Over 100 years ago Western New York learned how to turn water into energy. Hydropower spurred incredible job growth in our region and revolutionized manufacturing. Brian believes that we can learn from our history and that by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and innovating with clean energy technologies made right here in America we can power our homes, businesses, and nation’s infrastructure systems in a way that sustains us for the next 100 years. Brian has consistently fought on behalf of Western New York families to keep the economic benefits of the Niagara Power Project in Western New York. He has also fought against harmful speculative trading practices that drive up the price of gasoline and increase big oil profits. In both Western New York and Washington, DC, Brian has helped to preserve HEAP funding for struggling seniors and families, who should never have to make the choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
More on Energy
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills toured EcoStar, LLC., a clean energy small business located in Holland, NY. Higgins and Mills joined Edwin Staroba, General Manager of EcoStar, to highlight the important role that small businesses play in clean energy manufacturing.
Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) voted against the FY 2011 Continuing Budget Resolution (H.R. 1), which makes severe cuts to dozens of programs that directly impact the economic stability of Western New York.
Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that New York will receive an additional $196.5 million in Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) block grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Including this sum, in total New York will have received $473 million to help seniors and residents afford heating bills this winter.
Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced approval of H.R. 5809, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), bipartisan legislation which reauthorizes a diesel emissions reduction program for five years, encouraging production of clean-diesel technology and supporting local jobs.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an additional $69 million to New York in Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) block grant funds—the largest additional sum in the country.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy announced New York will receive $12,793,718 in emergency energy assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding to NYS is formula based and will be distributed to eligible county applicants on a first come first serve basis.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined his House of Representatives colleagues in passing H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Act. The Rural Star and Loan Star programs included in this legislation will provide up to 1.6 million homeowners with small loans to make renovations that will improve their energy efficiency and lower their utility bills.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced Chautauqua County will receive $200,000 in Weatherization Assistance Program funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The federal funds were awarded to Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.(COI), allowing the organization to build on their existing weatherization work.