Today, the House of Representative passed H.R. 5019, the Home Star Jobs Bill with a vote of 246-161. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke voted in support of this legislation which boosts the American clean energy economy by creating nearly 170,000 jobs, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and saves American families $9 billion over 10 years. The Home Star Jobs Bill would provide rebates to homeowners who install energy-saving products and reduce energy use in their homes.

“This bill is a win for families, a win for our workers, and a win for our national security,” said Rep Clarke. “As we face both economic and energy crises, this bill would put New Yorkers back to work, lower the monthly expenses for hard-working families, and make our nation more energy independent.”

H.R. 5019 features two levels of rebates that will help an estimated 3 million American homeowners. The Silver Star program would provide up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for the installation of proven energy-saving technologies, such as insulation, duct sealing, window and door improvements, air sealing, and advanced water heaters. The Gold Star program rewards homeowners with up to $8,000 for conducting a comprehensive energy audit and substantially reducing their energy use at home.

The legislation would boost our construction and manufacturing industries in the short term by creating jobs immediately. More than 90% of the materials and products used in eligible measures are made in the U.S. In the long run, it will help rebuild the foundation of our economy by encouraging American innovation and entrepreneurship in the growing clean energy industry.

“The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act will reenergize American innovation and help make the investments we need to grow and build our clean energy industries,” said Rep. Clarke. “This bill will put American workers on jobs installing Made-in-America technology in our homes. America has been at the forefront of every major technological advancement of the last century and I believe in our ability to become a global leader in the energy that will fuel the 21st century.”

This legislation builds on our previous accomplishments offering tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the Recovery Act. Through the end of 2010, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of these improvements, up to $1,500. More information is available at http://www.energysavers.gov/financial.

H.R. 5019 received bipartisan support, and is endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental, and consumer groups, including Sierra Club, Service Employees International Union, the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, BlueGreen Alliance, Laborers’ International Union of North America, and the National Association of Home Builders.

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