Part of President Obama’s job creation bill, which he outlined in his State of The Union address in January, contains recommendations that would have a major impact on the green building industry. It is being billed as a new Homestar program that would help create jobs by encouraging people to invest in energy saving home improvements.
With unemployment in the construction sector near 25% and with substantial underutilized capacity in our manufacturing sector, the Homestar program has the potential to jumpstart our economic recovery by boosting demand for energy efficiency products and installation services. For middle-class families, this program will help them save hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs while improving the comfort and value of their most important investment – their homes. In addition, the program would help reduce our economy’s dependence on oil and support the development of an energy efficiency services sector in our economy.
This week, the senate began holding hearings on the bill. Here are some excerpts from people testifying before the committee.
We believe the Homestar program will deliver both economic and environmental benefits. Economically, it will stimulate the construction sector, among the hardest hit in the recession, while also giving relief to homeowners, who count energy as their largest cost after their mortgage. Homestar has the additional benefit of offering immediate consumer relief through direct rebates rather than tax credits to be accrued in a distant future.
Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company.
Homestar is an essential step to help Americans save on their energy bills while spurring the creation of good jobs and new industries that drive economic recovery and help our country achieve energy independence.
Chris Chafe, Executive Director of Change to Win.
Homestar is the right investment for the country at the right time. Energy efficiency is not a partisan issue, as it helps move us toward greater energy independence and enhances our national security. This program is targeted at the largest marketplace in the country, existing homes, and will be create jobs in a new industry that will thrive for decades.
Tracy Price, CEO of The Linc Group.
The Homestar program will put our nation’s skilled construction force back to work, benefit homeowners through comfort and energy efficiency improvements to their existing homes, and result in long-term energy and environmental gains. We urge Congress to expedite approval of this program so that Americans can get back to work.
Larry Laseter, president of WellHome
The Bill is supported by the Homestar Coalition which represents over 500 construction contractors, building products and mechanical manufacturers, retail sales businesses, environmental and energy efficiency groups and labor advocates for all 50 states. A draft of the proposed legislation is on the Senate Energy Committee Website.
