(Stanly News & Press)
Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) continued his support of homeowners, American manufacturing and energy industry with his vote for the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.
This bipartisan bill will provide incentives for consumers to renovate their older homes for energy efficiency while creating jobs and continuing to lower energy costs for working families.
“Creating incentives to help our families retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient helps those families save hard-earned money on energy bills, and puts Americans to work,” Kissell said.
“This is a common-sense approach to reducing energy costs while putting out-of-work people back to work in the manufacturing and construction industries. These industries have been some of the hardest hit by the recession, and this bill will provide some much needed relief.”
The bill is estimated to create more than 168,000 jobs in construction, manufacturing and retail industries while saving 3 million families an estimated $200-500 per year on their energy bills.
It also helps reduce dependence on foreign oil by cutting the use of home heating oil to the equivalent of nearly 7 million barrels of heating oil in 2011.
It provides up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters.
It also rewards homeowners who conduct a comprehensive energy audit and implement measures to reduce energy use. Consumers will receive $3,000 for a demonstrated savings of 20 percent, plus an additional $1,000 for each additional 5 percent of energy savings up to $8,000.
This legislation has been widely supported by business, labor, environmental and consumer groups including the National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Home Builders and the Home Star Coalition. Glen Raven Fabrics of North Carolina has also lent its support to the bill.
The North Carolina Association of Home Builders is a strong proponent of the legislation.
“This legislation will greatly benefit the home builders and construction industry in North Carolina,” said Lisa Martin, NCHBA Director of Government Affairs.
“Remodeling is a key component to the industry, and retrofitting existing homes to improve energy efficiency is where we get the most bang for our buck.
“Improving existing homeowner incentives to upgrade home energy efficiency is a very effective way to reduce residential sector energy use.
“We thank Congressman Kissell for his support of this legislation.”