Augusta state senator highlights need for energy programs

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - State Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II held a news conference to highlight what he sees as potential harm to Georgia families and workers caused by freezes and cuts to federal clean energy efficiency funding.

Programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and Solar for All, which help lower utility bills and job training, have been frozen or face cuts by the current istration, he says.

The Augusta Democrat says these cuts are putting home energy upgrades, savings and jobs on hold across the CSRA.

“As we know it summer temperatures are expected to rise, and unfortunately, extreme weather events could also be on the horizon. So now more than ever, it is essential to maximize both of these investments to help make homes energy efficient. Making homes more energy efficient helps families save money and provide for their families,” Jones said.

Jones and other speakers during the noon news conference Wednesday at the Augusta-Richmond County main library called on Georgia’s congressional delegation to protect these investments and ensure residents are not left behind as energy costs continue to rise.

“The average family spends roughly, if not more than $2,000 a year on their utility costs,” said Nicole Lee of Be Smart Home Solutions. “Through these programs they are able to utilize those savings to help them lower that cost and create savings on their own. Through solar, we have seen families lower their costs all the way down to zero dollars.”

In addition to Jones and Lee, others appearing at the news conference included Lisa Robinson of the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority and Paige Brockmeyer, a ed nurse who’s also with the Augusta Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby.

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