HOME STAR “Cash for Caulkers” Program Legislative Status

Cash for Caulkers (formally known as the HOME STAR Program) is a proposed US federal

government program that would give households incentives in the form of low-cost loans, tax rebates, tax breaks, and even immediate point-of-sale rebates to pay for weatherization and other energy-saving retrofit projects. The Cash for Caulkers program will be similar to last years Cash for Clunkers only it will focus on retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient as well as upgrades to ENERGY STAR appliances. The HOME STAR Cash for Caulkers Program was recommended by a board of prominent business leaders asked to advise the White House on ways to help stimulate the economy. Their proposal has been warmly embraced by the Obama administration, but funding and implementation of the program will require Congressional action. We dont expect to see much movement in that regard until after the health care reform bill is completed. Legislative support for HOME STAR is unrelated to the jobs bill passed by the House late last year. Separate legislation is in the works to define the structure and funding sources for HOME STAR. What is the likelihood of HOME STAR becoming law? Right now, the Legislative process is just beginning. We believe that there is strong support, but it will take time for Congress to draft and approve legislation, and the details of the program may evolve significantly as part of that process. You may have also heard about the Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) Program Act. This is a separate initiative introduced in the House of Representatives last March that targets energy efficiency retrofits for residential and commercial buildings nationwide. While HOME STAR is a short-term stimulus program with a two-year time frame, REEP is a long-term program that would continue after the HOME STAR incentives expire. The REEP bill has more than 60 cosponsors in the House. REEP is included in the Waxman-Markey climate bill passed by the House last June, and in a similar bill now pending in the Senate. For this legislation to move forward, the Senate must pass its version of the bill, then the Senate and House versions must be reconciled before a final bill can be signed into law by the President. With health care reform and other prominent issues dominating the Senate calendar, were not likely to see progress on the bill before spring. For timely updates and analysis of the HOME STAR Program, including detailed information on how you can take advantage of this program, please visitCash for Caulkers Program Guide and Home Star Program Guide.

HOME STAR Cash for Caulkers Program Legislative Status

By: James Wentworth

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