Dear Senator Jim Webb:
I was shocked to hear Sen. John McCain on TV a couple of nights ago (interviewed on PBS News Hour) say that weatherization was not a stimulus measure. Where does he get his information?
Weatherization is energy efficiency. It is a trifecta: helps low-income people reduce their energy bills, puts people to work performing the weatherization work while using materials and equipment primarily produced in the U.S. (like insulation, efficient windows, and HVAC equipment), and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing demand for electricity, natural gas and heating oil.
It particularly will utilize building trades craftsmen who currently are needing work, and will increase demand from the moribund building materials industry hard hit by the housing slump. The overall effect should be very stimulating to the economy and produce many good jobs quickly because it is a labor-intensive activity.
I don't know who is generating the propaganda that weatherization is not a stimulus measure - it is the best kind of stimulus measure.
Evidently many Republicans have fallen for this propaganda; I heard Rep. Boehner make similar remarks. I trust you will not be fooled by it and will resist attempts to excise weatherization from the stimulus package.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Ball, retired energy policy and technology analyst
Annandale, VA
Call our U.S. Senators today! You can reach Sen. Warner's office at (202) 224-2023 and Sen. Webb's office at (202) 224-4024.
