Boccieri Plugs Seniors Into Alternative Energy

Press Release

U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today announced the passage of an amendment he included in a home energy efficiency bill that makes it easier for seniors to participate in home energy upgrades and reap the savings from doing so.

"The cheapest energy is the energy we never use," said Boccieri. "Seniors on fixed incomes, who might not otherwise know the benefits of home energy efficiency upgrades, will now have access to information and programs that can put money back in their pockets."

Congressman Boccieri's amendment ensures that seniors receive information about the benefits of the home energy efficiency programs. It gives more than 95,000 seniors in our district the opportunity to learn how they can make home energy upgrades that will ultimately put significant savings back in their wallet. Boccieri's amendment also encourages lenders to make loans for these improvements to seniors who live in older homes and are on fixed incomes. This allows every senior, no matter the income, the chance to save more money on power bills by participating in energy efficiency programs.

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (H.R. 5019) provides immediate incentives for all consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient, rapidly creates an estimated 168,000 American jobs, while saving money for American families. Incentives include up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters and other home energy-saving renovations. The Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers support this legislation which passed with bipartisan support.

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