This summer two separate bills, H.R. 6321 and H.R. 6473, were introduced to the House of Representatives. Both bills, if they became law, would provide relief from high energy prices and supply problems for residents of the Northeast.

H.R. 6321 (also called the “HEATR bill of 2008″), introduced by Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), would provide a tax credit to individuals and families to the tune of $500 or 33% of one year’s energy costs. The credit would be limited to households making less than $100,000 per year.

H.R. 6473, introduced by Rep. Paul Hoades (D-NH) would require the Secretary of Energy to sell off heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve under specific circumstances: (1) if a major disruption in energy supply occurs, and (2) if the retail price of heating oil reaches $4.00 per gallon

Both of these bills are still in the first phase (”introduction”) of the legislative process, and may not even move beyond the committee phase to be voted on by congress. If one or both of the bills did become law, however, they would form a nice safety net under HEAT USA members and others who rely on heating oil to keep warm during the winter. The Heat Zone will keep track of both bills when and if they move through the legislative process.