| New
bipartisan legislation to renew and strengthen the National
Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has been introduced in the
United States Congress. Home heating oil associations around
the country are praising the development, calling it “an
expression of the oilheat industry’s commitment to bring
to consumers the most environmentally responsible, efficient
and domestically produced home heating fuel possible.”
Since the federal law
authorizing the NORA program expired on February 6, 2010,
the industry has been working tirelessly to introduce
legislation to renew it. The new legislation enjoys broad
support from the industry and lawmakers from the region, as
well as several prominent environmental advocacy groups such
as Environment Northeast (ENE).
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| The
legislation was introduced as H.R.1756 in the House of
Representatives by Reps. Bass (R-NH), Welch (D-VT), Pallone
(D-NJ) and Lance (R-NJ). It was introduced in the United
States Senate as S.949 by Senators Shaheen (D-NH), Reed
(D-RI), Snowe (R-ME), Sanders (I-VT) and Burr (R-NC).
If passed, this legislation
will:
• Renew funding for
programs to educate consumers on: the benefits of oilheat,
important service and safety practices, useful tips to
increase energy efficiency and conserve fuel, the latest in
oilheat technology and renewable alternatives, and
countering common oilheat myths;
• Redirect more funds for
research, development and deployment of new ultra-efficient
Oilheating technologies, such as ultra-efficient equipment,
biofuel-blended product and the integration of solar
equipment as a compliment to existing heating
equipment;
• Strengthen the national
oilheat certification program for technicians and home
energy conservation professionals; and
• Renew NORA through most
of the decade.
We urge our members to get
involved in the effort. Contact your members of Congress and
urge them to support this legislation by co-sponsoring
H.R.1756/S.949. We need your support! Take Action Now and
email your Senators and Representatives! (You may also
download a list of Talking Points and also print a draft
letter online at www. nefiactioncenter.com). For further
information, NEFI Legislative & Regulatory Action
Center, 5505 Connecticut Ave NW #300, Washington, DC
20015-2601, visit www.nefiactioncenter.com, or call (202)
584-0160
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