October 18, 2023 9:30 a.m.

Senator Ron Wyden and a group of colleagues are urging federal agencies to reduce energy costs in Oregon and nationwide through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

In a letter from Wyden and 27 senators to Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the lawmakers urged the Biden Administration to include supplemental LIHEAP funding in any additional request submitted for FY2024 appropriations.

The letter said, “Amid increased energy prices resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures, LIHEAP has become even more important for helping families pay their energy bills without foregoing other essentials”. Lawmakers wrote, “Unfortunately, supplemental funding is needed once again as we head into another winter heating season. Winter heating prices are expected to remain roughly as high as last year, and LIHEAP applications are up significantly”.

The release said about 6 million households in Oregon and across nation received assistance with energy costs through LIHEAP last year. The program factors income, family size, and availability of resources when determining eligibility.

The letter was led by Senators Jack Reed and Lisa Murkowski and alongside Wyden was signed by over two dozen senators.