Cash for Caulkers passes House
The $6 billion program dubbed by the media the cash for caulkers program passed the House last Thursday and now makes its way to the Senate later this summer. The bill, officially known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act has been touted by President Obama since late last year as a central piece of his job creation strategy.
The bill would fund rebates of as much as 50%, up to $3,000 for energy saving efforts such as insulation improvements and the replacement of windows, doors, heating and cooling systems. The installations will have to be completed by qualified contractors. The bill also covers reimbursements for those who perform comprehensive energy audits and reduce their home’s total energy consumption.
The House vote simply authorizes the creation of the program but it does not appropriate the funds needed to run it. The Senate will take up the legislation this summer and will determine how to pay for the program. The bill has the support of the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry as a much needed boost for their beleaguered industries that are experiencing significant downturns from the deep economic recession.
