Gallego Leads Push to Increase Energy Assistance for Arizonans
The letter comes after Rep. Gallego released his new report on combating extreme heat
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) led a letter with Reps. Raul Grijalva (AZ-07) and Greg Stanton (AZ-04) to House Appropriations Committee leadership urging them to change appropriations language that has prevented Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds from reaching more eligible Arizona households. This change would result in home energy cost savings for families across Arizona, particularly during extreme summer heat waves.
“Temperatures are quickly rising this time of year in Arizona, and many residents will need to cool their homes to protect their families from extreme summer heat conditions…LIHEAP funding provides a much-needed lifeline to our vulnerable populations so they do not have to choose between cooling their home and purchasing necessities for their family,’’ the Members wrote.
Appropriations language overriding LIHEAP’s statutorily specific allocation process has had a profoundly damaging effect on Arizona families. Currently, Arizona only receives enough funding to assist three percent of eligible families – far below the national average of 17 percent.
This funding is increasingly important as Arizona summers become more deadly and cooling bills remain high. Last year, Maricopa County reported 469 heat-related deaths, up from 372 in 2022, and a new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA) found that, while the cost of winter heating is falling back to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of cooling continues to increase.
“We thank you for your commitment to addressing funding disparities and appreciate the Subcommittee’s desire to balance the needs of vulnerable households nationwide,” the Members conclude.
Full text of the letter can be found HERE.
Today’s letter builds on Rep. Gallego’s extensive work to address the impact of extreme heat on Arizonans, including requesting an overall increase of $1.6 billion for the LIHEAP program, and earlier this month, putting out his report: Combating Extreme Heat.