Arkansas Bill Establishes Alternative Fuels and Weatherization Funds

A bill to establish the Alternative Fuels Fund and the Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Fund became law February 17. HB 1306 gives electric and natural gas utilities the option to contribute to the funds and assess residential ratepayers up to $1.00 per month. Thirty percent of the amount remitted by a utility will go to the Alternative Fuels Funds, 70 percent will credit the Weatherization Fund.

The Alternative Fuels Fund will provide grants for alternative fuels research and projects. The Weatherization Assistance Fund will be used by the Department of Human Services to supplement the Federal Weatherization Assistance Program. Eligibility criteria for assistance will be less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Page Last Updated: December 16, 2008