Create Jobs And Lowering Energy Costs Through Energy Efficiency

Statement

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after the House passed HR 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act. Home Star is a short-term program to create jobs, save energy, and lower families' energy bills.

"As signs emerge that our economy is improving, Democrats in Congress remain committed to delivering on our promise to create jobs for middle class Americans on Main Street. With the passage of this legislation, we will create 168,000 new jobs here in the United States that can't be shipped overseas in the areas of construction, manufacturing and retail -- industries that have been devastated due to the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration.

"Home Star is designed to spur home energy renovation by providing rebates to homeowners who install energy saving products. This program will save about 3 million American families an estimated $200-$500 per year on their energy bills, totaling $9 billion over the next 10 years and will reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

"In the House, I have introduced companion legislation that will create jobs and increase energy efficiency and lower energy bills in rural America. This legislation, the Rural Energy Savings Program, is slated to create 20,000 -- 40,000 jobs a year and will reduce air pollution. These two bills hand-in-hand will put Americans back to work, lower energy bills for families and improve America's energy independence.

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