Washington, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (H.R. 5019) by a vote of 246-161. Rep. David Price (D-NC) voted in favor of the bipartisan legislation, which has the potential to save families billions of dollars in energy costs and spur job creation in the struggling construction and manufacturing sectors. The bill provides rebates to consumers who install energy efficiency upgrades in their homes.

"The Home Star Jobs Act is a win-win-win for the American people. By helping Americans upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment and install better insulation, this bill will lower family energy bills; create new jobs in building and manufacturing, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Rep. David Price said. "It's Triple Crown legislation that will greatly benefit businesses and families in the Triangle."

The bill authorizes $6 billion for job-creating energy efficiency incentives, including on-the-spot rebates for the purchase of energy-saving products. These products will save American families an estimated $9 billion in energy costs over 10 years. Since 90 percent of these energy saving products—efficient windows, doors and insulation—are manufactured in the US, it will boost domestic job creation by an estimated 170,000 jobs. The bill authorizes two consumer incentive programs:

• Silver Star – Provides up-front rebates for specific energy-saving investments, including insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters, at the time of sale. Homeowners receive up to $1,500 per improvement, with a total rebate of up to $3,000 or 50 percent of the total project cost.

• Gold Star – Rewards homeowners who conduct a comprehensive energy audit of their home and then implement recommended measures to reduce energy use, backed by a quality assurance program. Consumers can receive up to $3,000 in rebates for a demonstrated savings of 20 percent, with $1,000 more for each additional 5 percent energy savings up to 50 percent of the project cost.

The bipartisan legislation is endorsed by a wide range of industry and consumer interest groups including the National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Home Builders, Owens Corning, Home Depot, Laborers' International Union of North America, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Home Star Coalition with over 1000 business and organization members nationwide.

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