Efficiency First

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jeff Lambert or Tara Powers
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
616-233-0500   tpowers@lambert-edwards.com

Efficiency First and the HOME STAR Coalition Applauds Efforts of the House of Representatives on Rural Energy Star: H.R. 4785 – Rural Energy Savings Program Act and the Inclusion of the Home Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 14, 2010 – Efficiency First and The HOME STAR Coalition, a diverse group of nationally recognized companies, labor and environmental organizations and associations, today issued its support for efforts by the House of Representatives on H.R. 4785, The Rural Energy Savings Program Act.  In particular, The HOME STAR Coalition applauds the inclusion of the Home Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program which will provide access to financing to homeowners for the rebated, energy cost-saving home retrofits outlined in HOME STAR.

The HOME STAR legislation has bi-partisan support and 33 co-sponsors in the Senate.  The HOME STAR Coalition urges the swift and immediate passage of the HOME STAR legislation in the Senate to get some of the hardest hit American industries – construction and manufacturing – back to work.

The HOME STAR Coalition also announced its membership increased to over 2,700 small and medium sized businesses and organizations from every state in the country that stand in support of HOME STAR and its widespread benefits for job creation, savings for homeowners, and energy efficiency.

About HOME STAR & The HOME STAR Coalition:

HOME STAR is a market-driven, low-bureaucracy program that would create jobs fast by scaling the existing home energy efficiency improvement industry. HOME STAR would use rebates to spur more Americans to start making their homes more energy efficient. It would establish a streamlined rebate program to encourage immediate investment in energy-efficient appliances, building mechanical systems and insulation, and whole-home energy efficiency retrofits. Consumers nationwide would embrace HOME STAR because it will be simple, accessible, and help them save money.

HOME STAR would help to kick start the comeback of our country’s hard-hit construction industry. The Coalition estimates the legislation would create 168,000 new jobs in construction and related industries over the next two years. This would have a big impact because one out of four construction workers is currently unemployed.

HOME STAR also has the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

For more information about HOME STAR and the HOME STAR Coalition visit www.homestarcoalition.org.

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