MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont House of Representatives has approved legislation that would boost home weatherization programs with a tax on heating fuel.
Vermont Public Radio reports proponents say the program would help homeowners save money on weatherizing their homes.
But opponents say the tax, which would raise about $4.5 million a year, would drive up the cost of living for low-income Vermonters.
Paul Zabriskie of Capstone Community Action Agency in Barre, which weatherizes as many as 200 homes a year for the low-income residents, says a typical job costs about $8,000, but the projects end up saving homeowners an average of $500 a year in heating costs.
The measure must still be approved by the Senate. And a spokesperson for Republican Gov. Phil Scott says he opposes the legislation.
___
Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net
Please read our comment policy before commenting.