Efficiency First

May 5, 2010

Dear Representatives:

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the nation’s largest industrial trade association representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states, urges you to support H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act.

U.S. manufacturing employment has fallen by nearly 2.2 million since December 2007 to a level of just over 11.5 million. The deep decline in the housing market—which includes the home improvement sector—has had a significant impact on manufacturing. Nearly a quarter of the manufacturing jobs lost have been in industries closely connected to housing, such as furniture, wood and textile products and building materials.

The Home Star program would spur much-needed consumer demand for energy-efficient products and building materials by providing significant and immediate rebates for home energy-efficiency retrofits. As a result, Home Star would quickly create jobs in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of energy-efficient products.

Cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation measures are important for reducing energy costs, stretching available energy supplies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturing sector has taken the lead in making energy efficiency a priority. In fact, manufacturers’ efforts on this front over the past 40 years have already made our nation 46 percent more energy efficient.

American manufacturers are committed to producing more energy-efficient consumer products for residential use. With more than half of the 86 million single-family homes throughout the United States constructed before modern codes even existed, the vast majority of U.S. homes are not well insulated, have outdated heating and cooling systems, have inefficient windows and doors and are great candidates for energy-efficiency upgrades.

H.R. 5019 promotes both energy efficiency and job creation, and we urge your support.

The NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee has indicated that all votes related to H.R. 5019, including procedural motions, may be considered for designation as Key Manufacturing Votes in the 111th Congress. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jay Timmons
Executive Vice President
National Association of Manufacturers