Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) voted today to boost the American economy by creating nearly 170,000 jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and saving American families $9 billion over 10 years.  The Home Star Jobs Bill would provide rebates to homeowners who install energy-saving products and reduce energy use in their homes. 

“This is a win for families, it’s a win for our workers, and it’s a win for our national security,” said Barrow.  “It’s going to put Georgians back to work, lower monthly expenses for hard-working families, and make our nation more energy independent.”

The bill features two levels of rebates that will help an estimated 3 million American homeowners.  The Silver Star program would provide up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for the installation of proven energy-saving products, such as insulation, duct sealing, window and door improvements, air sealing, and advanced water heaters.  The Gold Star program rewards homeowners with up to $8,000 for conducting a comprehensive energy audit and substantially reducing their energy use at home.

The bill would boost our construction and manufacturing industries in the short term by creating jobs immediately.   More than 90% of the products and services that are eligible for the program are made in the U.S.   In the long run, it will help rebuild the foundation of our economy by spurring American research and development in the growing clean energy industry.

“We need to make the necessary investments to grow and build our clean energy industries, and this bill is a great start.  It’s going to put folks to work installing ‘Made-in-America technology’ in our homes spur research and development in the process.”

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act received bipartisan support, and was endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental, and consumer groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Home Builders.

###

Contact: Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

click here for a .pdf copy of this release