Energy Inefficiency Disproportionately Hurts Low Income Baltimoreans

Homes that are energy inefficient and lack proper weatherization contribute to deteriorated housing conditions, poor indoor air quality and moisture intrusion. These conditions can exacerbate asthma, generate chipping lead-based paint that results in lead poisoning and can cause other toxic conditions which severely impact the health of low-income Baltimore children and families. A critical part of GHHI’s work to improve housing conditions in Baltimore is integrating cross sector energy, health and housing resources to deliver comprehensive housing interventions for families in poverty.

To remediate unhealthy housing conditions that contribute to disinvestment, asthma and lead poisoning, we must address energy efficiency through increased investments that create sound, safe and affordable housing. GHHI and partner Energy Efficiency for All in Maryland’s Op-Ed entitled “Energy inefficiency disproportionately hurts low income Baltimoreans” in today’s Baltimore Sun highlights the critical intersection of energy and healthy housing. We strongly support efforts by Energy Efficiency for All and other partners to establish a State of Maryland low-income savings goal for the state’s energy efficiency programs and to increase funding for low-income energy efficiency programs.

In support of this we were pleased to have our CEO co-author an Op-Ed in the Baltimore Sun with Lucy Laflamme of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) program. You may read the full Op-Ed at The Baltimore Sun.