Fitzpatrick’s bill would help nonprofits go green

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish an energy efficiency materials pilot program to help nonprofits decrease their greenhouse gas emissions and cut their operating budgets to better serve their communities.

Rep. Fitzpatrick on May 18 led 22 other original cosponsors to unveil the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Pilot Program Act, H.R. 3296, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA). U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on Feb. 3 introduced the companion bill, the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, S. 196, in their chamber.

“Nonprofit organizations make countless contributions to our neighborhoods and communities while providing many citizens with unique opportunities to thrive,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to join Rep. Cartwright in reintroducing the bipartisan Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, which will allow these nonprofit organizations to redirect the funds they save on energy expenses to other causes that serve our communities.”

If enacted, the measure would make available up to $200,000 in grants under the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act to help nonprofit organizations finance purchases of energy efficiency materials for their buildings.

“By helping nonprofit organizations cut their operating costs, we can empower them to make an even greater impact on our communities,” said Rep. Cartwright. 

The legislation has been endorsed by the Association of Art Museum Directors, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Interfaith Power and Light, The Jewish Federations of North America, New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, YMCA of the U.S.A., Independent Sector, the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, Habitat for Humanity, and The Henry Ford Foundation.