Legislation to increase home weatherization assistance for low-income homeowners as a means of catastrophic loss abatement has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) introduced the amendment (S. 2818) to the Energy Conservation and Production Act. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

“PIA National strongly supports mitigation efforts because they save lives and property,” said PIA National President-elect Brian Marino. “We commend Senator LeMieux (FL) for his initiatve on this critical issue. His legislation will allow consumers to protect themselves from the many natural disasters that afflict our country. We hope this legislation passes quickly so communities can prepare for the next natural catastrophe.”

“Dealing with coastal and other non-wind catastrophic hazards is not a ‘quick-fix’ problem,” said Bill McGraw, co-chair of the PIA National Natural Catastrophe Working Group. “Mitigation and "hardening" of properties in hazard-prone areas is cost-effective risk management at the street level.  Sen. LeMieux is to be congratulated for recognizing the importance of risk mitigation in protecting lives and property.”

S. 2818 (bill text)

December 9, 2009