The House of Representatives has taken the nation one step closer to economic recovery with the May 6 passage of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Bill, (H.R. 5019), landmark legislation that will create jobs and jump-start a new energy retrofit industry that helps homeowners do their part toward promoting our nation's energy independence.
Every Watt Matters encourages the Senate to adopt the effort, which will establish $6.6 billion in rebates and tax credits to homeowners wanting to make their homes more energy efficient through air-sealing and insulation measures, duct sealing or replacement, replacement heating and cooling systems, water heaters, windows, doors and other measures. Buildings make up a significant portion of the nation's total energy use, and as much as half of the energy used in a home is wasted. The widespread adoption of energy-efficiency measures could significantly reduce our nation's total energy use and carbon footprint.
"Home Star makes home retrofits more affordable," said George Blackstone, CEO and President of Every Watt Matters. "It will create jobs, save homeowners money on their energy bills, and help the environment by reducing the nation's use of fossil fuels."
The retrofit work done on participating homes will pay for itself in a matter of years through energy savings. The jobs and commerce created through the program will help to stimulate the nation's ailing job market with careers that will sustain themselves over time. Many jobs will go to displaced construction workers who have suffered some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation due to the housing slump, Blackstone added.
Every Watt Matters is a leading Building Performance Institute-certified Building Performance Contractor that coordinates and oversees the entire process of a home retrofit project. It offers a unique business model that integrates schools, communities and local governments in a collaborative approach to meeting the nation's energy efficiency goals. For more information, visit www.everywattmatters.com
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Contacts: Deniene Husted Media Coordinator 714-423-9753