U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to lower both carbon emissions and energy costs.
“Jobs, affordable energy, and a cleaner environment all in one simple plan? It might sound too good to be true, but this bipartisan legislation is a triple win,” Rep. Kelly said. “By incentivizing smart investments in energy-efficient homes, we build a better future for American workers, energy consumers and the environment in which we live. Who can’t get behind a plan like that?”
On Sept. 26, Rep. Kelly cosponsored the Home Energy Savings Act, H.R. 4506, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), while the same-named S. 2588 was unveiled by Sen. Collins and U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to extend and update the tax credit for energy-efficient home upgrades.
The four lawmakers also plan to introduce the New Home Energy Efficiency Act, which would reinstate, strengthen and expand the tax credit for builders of new energy efficient homes, according to a summary of the bill provided by their offices.
“Energy-efficient upgrades not only have an important role in reducing carbon emissions, but can also save families hundreds of dollars each year by substantially lowering their heating and electricity costs,” said Sen. Collins. “By updating and extending these two effective tax credits, our bipartisan bills will encourage contractors to incorporate energy-efficient designs and materials in new buildings, as well as make it easier for homeowners to invest in products such as energy-efficient windows, air conditioners, water heaters, and biomass stoves.”
The two bills have garnered support from more than 35 organizations and businesses, including the Alliance to Save Energy, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the National Association of Home Builders, and the National Multifamily Housing Council.