Bipartisan Group Of House Members Introduce Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Incentives Package

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Bipartisan Group Of House Members Introduce Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Incentives Package

U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA08) and Ron Kind (D-WI03) today announced the introduction of a comprehensive package of energy efficiency tax incentives designed to reduce energy costs for families and businesses, promote innovation and conservation, and create future energy jobs. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR03), Geoff Davis (R-KY04), Tom Perriello (D-VA05), and Chris Lee (R-NY26) rounded out the bipartisan group of House Members from across the country who sponsored H.R. 4226, the Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009.

"I'm proud of this collaborative, market-based, bipartisan approach to help families and businesses save on energy bills and to create future energy jobs as Americans adapt to the realities and innovations of a 21st Century economy," Congressman Dave Reichert said. "Our legislation touches all aspects of energy-efficient building, from the construction of a new home to retrofitting an existing one; from helping commercial properties conserve energy and cut energy costs to assisting consumers seeking assessments of home energy usage. I'm pleased to have the leadership and support of this bipartisan coalition in crafting this incentives package, and I am optimistic House leaders will strongly consider and advance our proposal."

"Energy efficient homes and businesses are vital for our environment and our pocketbooks in the 21st Century," said Congressman Ron Kind. "I am pleased that this bill provides increased incentives through extension and enhancement of the tax credit for new construction of energy efficient homes, something I pushed to include. It is important that we address home and building efficiency from both ends through retrofits to existing homes as well as promoting the building of efficient homes moving forward."

"We want to make sure we're providing strong, effective incentives for people to improve their home's energy efficiency and reduce waste," said Congressman Earl Bluemenauer. "At a time when people are feeling cash-strapped, and we're working as a nation to reduce our output of global warming pollution, I am pleased we can encourage people and businesses to cut costs and save energy."

"Encouraging energy efficiency in American homes and businesses through H.R. 4226 will reduce energy consumption and create American jobs," said Congressman Geoff Davis. "This bipartisan solution will provide targeted tax relief to homeowners, homebuilders and other small businesses that adopt technology to reduce their energy consumption. By increasing energy efficiency, both families and businesses across America will see their utility bills decline. I am pleased to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing this commonsense legislation."

"Home energy efficiency upgrades will put people to work, save families money, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said Congressman Tom Perriello. "This bill will make it easier for folks to monitor their home energy use and implement energy-saving technologies. Additionally, it will train energy auditors, offering new jobs in an expanding field. I'm grateful for the collaboration of my colleagues from across the aisle because we all realize that jobs and energy independence are not partisan issues -- they just make sense."

"I've heard time and time again from constituents who want to make improvements to increase their home's energy efficiency," said Congressman Chris Lee. "By extending and enhancing these tax credits, we have a chance to significantly decrease energy costs while promoting innovation and conservation. I look forward to working with my colleagues who understand the real benefits that can be achieved when we increase our nation's energy efficiency."

H.R. 4226 is composed of five key tax incentives for energy efficient building that expand on companion legislation introduced by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM):

1) New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L): Provides a $5,000 tax credit for the construction of a new home that is 50 percent more energy efficient than 2003 standards. Since its creation in 2005, this credit has seen a three-fold increase in usage, but it is set to expire at the end of 2009.

2) Deduction for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings (179D): Increases and extends a deduction for energy efficient upgrades to commercial buildings.

3) Residential Property Energy Credit (25C): Offers a credit to homeowners to offset the costs of energy efficient retrofits (including new heating and cooling systems, windows, and doors) to their property.

4) Home Energy Rating Credit (25E): Provides a $200 credit for the cost incurred for a home energy rating.

5) Home Performance Auditor Certification Credit (45R): Provides a $500 credit for training to be certified to perform home energy ratings.

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