Stimulus Energy Aid Found to Favor Cold Regions
This story was co-published with USA Today.
A huge boost in federal funds to help low-income families weatherize their homes provides more than $3 on average in the coldest states for every $1 given to warm-weather states, an analysis of the aid program shows — even though exposure to extreme heat and cold are both health risks.
"People think weatherization is only for cold weather," says James Miller, spokesman for the Florida Department of Community Affairs. "The heat is just as dangerous as the cold."
President Obama’s economic stimulus plan provides $5 billion for weatherization, more than 20 times the normal yearly budget. The 33-year-old program began as a way to conserve heating fuel. It still favors northern climates, despite efforts to provide more money for Southern states in recent years.
Officials have struggled to spend the nearly $800 billion stimulus package quickly and effectively.
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