By Ed Somers
March 24, 2008

Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus Chaka Fattah (PA) held his first formal Caucus event March 13. The meeting was totally focused on building support for a $2 billion appropriation for the new Energy Block Grant.

The event featured USCM Executive Director and CEO Tom Cochran, who briefed congressional staff on how the block grant will work to create jobs and reduce climate emissions.

Cochran thanked Fattah for his leadership on helping to secure full funding for the new program. Fattah has sent a letter to all of his House colleagues stating, “Funding this program creates opportunities to support the development of a green manufacturing economy while helping the nation become more energy independent.” Fattah is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which has authority over funding of the Energy Block Grant.

Representatives Al Wynn (MD) and Michael Turner (OH) are circulating a bi-partisan sign-on letter that will go to the same House appropriations subcommittee seeking the $2 billion appropriation. Wynn and Turner were the original co'sponsors of the Energy Block Grant in the House, and Turner is Vice Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus.

Mayors are urged to contact their representatives and ask that they sign the Wynn-Turner letter.

A similar letter was circulated by Senators Bernard Sanders (VT), Robert Menendez (NJ) and Richard Lugar (IN).