FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2010   
MEDIA CONTACT:
STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

Home Star Energy Retrofit Act Will Create Jobs, Cut Dependence on Foreign Oil

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, today joined a strong, bipartisan majority to pass H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.  The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 246-161, is expected to create nearly 170,000 jobs in construction, retail and manufacturing. The bill would offer rebates for whole-home retrofits, saving American families $9 billion on their utility bills over the next 10 years. 

“These new Home Star Energy rebates will provide immediate incentives to working families who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient,” said the Congressman.  “Home Star will stimulate our economy by creating good jobs for local energy contractors, builders and hardware store employees.  This legislation will also move the United States towards energy independence."

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 technologies, 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. 

This bill would boost our construction and manufacturing industries in the short term by creating jobs immediately.   More than 90% of the materials and products used in eligible measures are made in the U.S.   

This legislation builds on our previous accomplishments offering tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the Recovery Act.  Through the end of 2010, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of these improvements, up to $1,500.  More information is available at http://www.energysavers.gov/financial

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act has received bipartisan support, and has been 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. 

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