Bill would prohibit VA from spending money on alternative energy projects

Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from spending funds on alternative energy projects.

Weber said he was spurred to offer the measure after finding that the department had spent at least $420 million on solar and wind renewable energy projects at VA facilities.

{mosads}Under the Texas Republican’s bill, the VA would be required to instead spend that money on reducing the veterans’ benefits backlog unless the alternative energy funds are specifically authorized by law. Weber argued that funds allocated for renewable energy projects were “wasteful,” especially compared to the need address the benefits backlog.

“If enacted, this legislation would prohibit the VA from spending any more money on wasteful alternative energy projects. Instead, that money would go toward reducing the VA backlog,” Weber said.

The measure further states that the VA should focus first and foremost on veterans’ medical care.

“The primary responsibility of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide the best possible medical care to wounded veterans,” the text reads.