Welch Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Vermonters Upgrade Inefficient Wood Stoves

Statement

Today, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) introduced legislation to create a new federal grant program that will assist Vermonters seeking to upgrade their old, inefficient wood stoves to more economical and energy efficient models.

"Many Vermonters rely on wood stoves to stay warm through our long winters," said Welch. "This common sense, bipartisan bill will help interested homeowners upgrade to more efficient modern stoves. Doing so will lower heating bills and help the environment."

The Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act (WHERA) of 2019 (H.R. 5391) authorizes $75 million annually for six years for a new grant program that provides incentives for households to upgrade old wood stoves for newer, more efficient and cleaner burning stoves. It would also encourage the recycling of old stoves replaced by the project.

Companion legislation, S. 2274, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Thomas Carper (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

Welch has long been a leader in Congress on energy efficiency issues. He is a senior member of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, which will consider the legislation.

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