Senate Leadership
June 10, 2008
Legislature to Include Home Heating Oil Legislation Among Energy Action Items For Special Session
Thousands of families across Connecticut to start receiving fuel efficicent furnaces this summer
At a press conference in front of the State Capitol, Senator Williams announces a series of energy initiatives to be included in the June 2008 special session of the Connecticut General Assembly, including legislation that would release $2.5 million in order to help Connecticut families survive the looming home heating oil crisis this fall and winter. (June 10, 2008)
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) joined Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven), House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford), Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and Gene Guilford, Executive Director of the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association (ICPA) to announce a series of energy initiatives to be included in Wednesday's special session, including legislation that would release $2.5 million in order to help Connecticut families survive the looming home heating oil crisis this fall and winter.
"From summer driving to winter heating, we're looking at how we can help families struggling with this national energy crisis," said Senator Looney. "Though the rising cost of gasoline and oil is a global problem, we must do what we can as a state to help relieve the pump shock that is going on right now and prepare for the heating season this winter," said Rep. Donovan.
As part of a sweeping energy bill approved by lawmakers in 2007, $15 million was designated for use in 2008 by the Oil Conservation Fund, in order to purchase more fuel efficient boilers and furnaces for 3,000 low-income and elderly families across Connecticut.
The program is the first of its kind in the nation and enables oil heat consumers with old, inefficient heating systems to receive assistance to update their systems with the latest, most efficient oil heat technology. But without legislative action now, the funds won't be available until October.
"We can't wait until October to start this important work," said Senator Williams. "For every low-income and elderly family that saves 300 gallons, we know that oil can be redistributed to other eligible families. We face a home heating oil crisis this winter that will require us to stretch our dollars- immediately releasing this funding is a good first step. If we do nothing it is very possible that the majority of people of fuel assistance will use up all their benefits before the first snowflake ever hits the ground."
Lawmakers will also address the energy crisis in the special session by:
- Postponing the increase in the Gross Receipts tax;
- Allowing gas stations to offer cash discounts; and
- Protecting consumers who lost their prepaid heating oil deposits in the F&S Oil debacle.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said, "Cash discounts are a sound step toward sanity and consumer savings at our gasoline pumps. This measure will unshackle retailers, enhancing business competition and consumer benefits. The legislative leadership's commitment couples cash discounts with gas tax relief, conservation and protections for home heating oil consumers."
Rep. Donovan added, "It's going to take a new aggressive national energy policy to face this challenge as a country, but it is important for Connecticut residents to know that their state is working to chip away at prices and stabilize the situation here at home."
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Senator Williams’ Derek Slap |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
