Kagen Votes to Create Jobs, Promote Energy Conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 6, 2010

KAGEN VOTES TO CREATE JOBS, PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. voted to boost the American clean energy economy and create nearly 170,000 jobs nationwide, while also saving American families $9 billion over 10 years through energy conservation.  The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act would provide rebates to homeowners who install energy-saving products and reduce energy use in their homes.

“This bill is a win for hard working families in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Kagen.  “Energy efficiency improvements will not only bring savings on utility bills, but they will spur demand for products in hard-hit industries and put people back work.”

Endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, the “Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010” provides a solid framework for an incentive-based program to create American jobs and promote energy conservation. 

“And, the best part about this bill is that it boosts local construction and manufacturing companies, creating jobs close to the homes being improved,” added Kagen. 

More than 90% of the materials and products used in eligible measures are made in the U.S., and the labor to make the improvements will be sourced locally.  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.

The “Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010” 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. 

More information is available at http://www.energysavers.gov/financial

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