Governor Stein, NCDEQ Deliver Relief to Victims of Hurricane Helene While Trump Administration Impedes Recovery
A year ago this week, Hurricane Helene devastated communities across our state, especially those in Western NC. Here’s who has helped (and hindered) recovery efforts.
State Department Delivers for Families and Communities
The NC Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) last week announced a new $10 million weatherization repairs assistance effort for victims of Hurricane Helene in the most impacted counties.
“This new weatherization readiness funding is an important piece of the comprehensive effort to accelerate long-term recovery and strengthen energy resilience in communities hit hard by Helene,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “These projects will drive down home utility bills and ensure safer, healthier and more energy-efficient homes for families who need it most.” By making affected homes more energy efficient, this investment will also help to lower carbon emissions and reduce strain on the electric grid.
Governor Stein Asks Congress to Help
Meanwhile, Gov. Josh Stein asked Congress for an additional $13.5 billion in Helene recovery assistance.
“Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, and it’s been nearly nine months since Congress last appropriated money toward recovery. Just like folks in the gulf states, the mid-Atlantic, and Puerto Rico, the people of western North Carolina deserve federal support after a major hurricane, and the time to act is now,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Western North Carolinians are counting on the federal government for help to rebuild homes, support small businesses, and repair roads. I call on Congress to deliver for western North Carolina its fair share and appropriate an additional $13.5 billion in funding for Helene recovery.”
Trump Administration Impedes Recovery
The Trump Administration has continually failed to deliver recovery despite promising help months ago. While Congress passed $10 billion in Helene recovery, the government has only dispersed ~$3.8 billion of that. Why? Because Trump has put up unnecessary red tape to slow or stop federal spending.
In similar past crises, the federal government has covered up to 70% of recovery costs. Yet, even with Governor Stein’s newest call for aid, the federal government would only cover 47% of Helene recovery costs. Doesn’t North Carolina deserve the same help that have benefitted other states and territories in times of crisis?
Additionally, Congress is continuing to defund low-income energy assistance programs. Both chambers have proposed cuts of at least $55 million to LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), which are intended to help cut costs for communities like those recovering from Hurricane Helene.
How Can You Help?
Our family of organizations is helping these communities to recover and helping to hold these corrupt politicians accountable. If you are interested in helping with recovery, read more about our sister organization’s work and recent efforts.
If you are interested in holding these legislators accountable, we ask that you become a monthly donor. Your sustained support helps us speak with more voters across the state and show how voting for the environment can improve our cost of living, our health, and our daily lives.
