Hey Ohio—Chad Stephens here with Sierra Club Ohio, and I’ve got to be real with you: we’re facing a crisis. The U.S. House just passed a bill that threatens to roll back major climate wins and completely gut programs that everyday people count on—including LIHEAP, a lifeline for families who struggle to keep the heat on in the winter or the A/C running in the summer.
What’s Happening?
The budget reconciliation bill passed by the House takes direct aim at clean energy and energy efficiency programs—programs that create jobs, lower bills, and keep our homes safe. One of the cruelest cuts? It eliminates the entire $4+ billion budget for LIHEAP.
Let that sink in. At a time when climate change is supercharging extreme heat and cold, the federal government is on track to cut off support that literally keeps people alive.
What is LIHEAP and Why Does It Matter?
LIHEAP helps low-income households—especially seniors, young children, and folks with health conditions—pay their energy bills. It also supports home upgrades that make energy use safer, cleaner, and more affordable. In 2023 alone, LIHEAP prevented utility shutoffs for nearly 2 million families and restored service to over 250,000 more.
But even now, only about 1 in 5 eligible families actually get help due to limited funding. And if Trump’s proposal to kill LIHEAP entirely goes through? Millions could be left in the cold. Literally.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’ve Never Heard of LIHEAP)
You don’t need to be enrolled in LIHEAP to feel its impact. When families can't afford to heat or cool their homes, they rely more on emergency services, hospitals, and even shelters. That costs everyone more money. And as building emissions continue to harm our health and climate, programs like LIHEAP are essential for cleaner, more resilient homes.
The Real Reason Behind These Cuts?
Let’s call it what it is: a cruel tradeoff. The administration wants to slash LIHEAP to make room for tax cuts for billionaires. And they’re doing it while also trying to roll back investments in solar, energy-efficient appliances, EV chargers, and retrofits that make our homes safer and healthier.
They’re gutting progress and calling it "fiscal responsibility." We’re calling it what it is: a dangerous rollback that hurts people and the planet.
Here’s How You Can Help (We Need You in Ohio!)
We can stop this—but only if we act now. Congress hasn’t finalized the bill yet. That means the Senate still has time to change course—but they need to hear from us loud and clear.
We’re calling on volunteers across Ohio to step up and take action:
Show up at your Senator’s local office—in person.
Tell them: Save LIHEAP. Protect our energy future.
Bring your story. Bring your neighbors. Bring your voice.
We’re organizing office visits and need people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us. If you’ve ever struggled to pay a utility bill—or care about someone who has—this fight is for you.
Interested in joining a visit to your Senator’s office?
Reach out to me, Chad Stephens, at Sierra Club Ohio. We’ll get you plugged in.
📩 chad.stephens@sierraclub.org
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000tlPL4IAM
Talking Points You Can Use When You Speak Up
- LIHEAP saves lives. It’s already underfunded. Cutting it entirely will be deadly.
- Nearly 25% of U.S. households have a dangerously high energy burden.
- LIHEAP helps families weatherize homes, switch to clean energy, and stay safe during extreme temperatures.
- Climate change is making heat waves and cold snaps worse. We need more support, not less.
- The proposed cuts aren’t about saving money—they’re about tax breaks for the ultra-rich.
- Programs like LIHEAP and clean energy tax credits help families save $1,000–$2,600 per year on utility bills.
- Heat pumps and electric appliances are safer, cleaner, and more efficient, and LIHEAP helps families get access to them.
Now Is the Time, Ohio. Let’s Rise Together.
We can't afford to be silent. This is about our neighbors. Our elders. Our children. Our shared future.
Don’t let Washington take away a lifeline just to line billionaire pockets.
Let’s defend LIHEAP—and build a cleaner, fairer energy future for everyone.
Join us. Take action. Show up.
—
Chad Stephens
Conservation Program Coordinator, Sierra Club Ohio