HELP FROM CITGO

The announcement expected today that Citgo will provide Maine with the equivalent of a deep discount on 8 million gallons of heating oil means that 48,000 low-income families here will get an added $100 in heating fuel. This generous offer is especially welcome because Washington has been unable to act on what is a clear necessity for the poor.

Maine, fortunately, has acted. The Legislature swiftly passed last week a $5 million boost to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The vote was overwhelming and bipartisan, an example of the political advantages of proximity to problems up for legislative consideration. Maine lawmakers could see for themselves the crisis of high fuel costs, and while the winter has been comparatively mild so far, it would be foolish to count on that continuing.

There are politics in today’s announcement, despite the denials of Maine and Venezuelan officials. Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, whom critics accuse of undermining democratic institutions in Venezuela, such as the freedom to criticize the government, and the Bush administration seem to go out of their way to provoke each other, especially since a 2002 coup attempt against Mr. Chavez.

By delivering oil after the Republican Congress failed to supplement LIHEAP last month, Mr. Chavez shows up the Republican administration. Democratic Gov. John Baldacci may or may not mind that; of greater interest is delivering more heating fuel to poor Maine residents.

The idea for Maine to request this aid came after it was pointed out to Beth Nagusky, director of the state’s energy policy, that the Rev. Jesse Jackson was negotiating a similar deal for New York. Venezuela, which owns Citgo, was persuaded by Maine’s case. There was little negotiation, Ms. Nagusky says; Venezuelan officials replied that they wanted to help and that help was accepted.

The two increases in fuel assistance still leave Maine with more work to do. It must continue to make homes more energy efficient to reduce demand and to find alternative, low-polluting sources of energy – solar, wind – that could someday further lower dependence on oil. Its “whole house” program, in which an auditor thoroughly inspects houses for the energy efficiency of its windows, insulation, appliances, top to bottom, could save many gallons of oil throughout a heating season. Community organizations in eastern Maine are looking for ways to move Maine out of the cycle of LIHEAP shortages that have stretched for more than a decade.

In Washington, Senate leaders have promised a vote on additional LIHEAP money later this month; the House will not be returning until the end of January and may vote on the issue sometime in February. The additional federal money is certainly needed and would be appreciated, but Maine is right not to wait for these votes. The donation today is one example among several that shows both Democrats and Republicans are taking appropriate action on this serious issue.