Yesterday, Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the “Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act”(S 600) alongside four other cosponsors from both parties. Interfaith Power & Light applauds the senators for reintroducing this bill that would set up a pilot program to help nonprofit organizations retrofit buildings in order to save energy.
“It is encouraging to see senators from both sides of the aisle come together to support good policy aimed at helping nonprofits that serve our communities access clean energy solutions. This funding is crucial because it will allow congregations to get past the hurdle of up-front costs for renovation,” said the Rev. Sally Bingham, president of Interfaith Power & Light. The grants could cover up to 50% of energy efficiency improvement projects — up to $200,000.
This funding will enable America’s hospitals, youth centers, YMCA’s, museums, and houses of worship to cut operating costs and contribute to America’s energy independence while curbing pollution and creating jobs.
Thousands of Interfaith Power & Light congregations from across the United States have already made strides toward energy efficiency. The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act would allow congregations with fewer resources to implement cost efficient and environmentally friendly energy efficiency improvements.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 39% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. Energy efficient houses of worship act as examples for their local communities. With the help of the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, congregations will have access to technological advances that decrease pollution and increase cost-savings.
Interfaith Power & Light applauds the senators on this common sense legislation and will advocate for swift passage of the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act.
