Barbara Lee Supports Home Star Jobs Bill

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted to boost the American clean energy 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 bill is about reducing energy demand by expanding the use of cost-effective energy efficient technologies, of which my District and the State of California have long been a leader," said Congresswoman Lee. "Additionally, it will help create good-paying, high-quality green jobs -- which are essential to achieving stronger homes and healthier communities."

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. In the long run, it will help rebuild the foundation of our economy by encouraging American innovation and entrepreneurship in the growing clean energy industry.

"I am pleased that this legislation will incentivize targeted job training and financial assistance for low-income communities and the chronically unemployed, as well as the recruitment of small, minority and women owned businesses," Congresswoman Lee. "This will ensure that we serve and empower those hardest hit by this economic recession and historical environmental injustices."

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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