House passes ‘caulkers' legislation
Under
the
Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which was approved 246 to 161,
homeowners
can receive tax credits up to $8,000 for retrofit work.
The U.S. House Thursday passed “cash for caulkers” legislation, a $6 billion program designed to encourage homeowners make their dwellings more energy efficient.
Under the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which was approved 246 to 161, homeowners can receive tax credits up to $8,000 for retrofitting their homes with energy-saving products such as HVAC units and water heaters, or sealing ductwork and adding insulation.
The bill’s supporters included the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, and President Barack Obama.
“This rebate program will not only put people back to work, it will lower costs for homeowners who choose to improve their home with products like energy efficient windows, water heaters and air conditioners,” Obama said. “And it will also save consumers money on energy bills down the road.”
However, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America said they were concerned with provisions that they said would only permit work be performed by contractors accredited by a small, union-affiliated institution.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.
The U.S. House Thursday passed “cash for caulkers” legislation, a $6 billion program designed to encourage homeowners make their dwellings more energy efficient.
Under the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which was approved 246 to 161, homeowners can receive tax credits up to $8,000 for retrofitting their homes with energy-saving products such as HVAC units and water heaters, or sealing ductwork and adding insulation.
The bill’s supporters included the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, and President Barack Obama.
“This rebate program will not only put people back to work, it will lower costs for homeowners who choose to improve their home with products like energy efficient windows, water heaters and air conditioners,” Obama said. “And it will also save consumers money on energy bills down the road.”
However, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America said they were concerned with provisions that they said would only permit work be performed by contractors accredited by a small, union-affiliated institution.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.
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