NTU urges all Representatives to vote “NO” on H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, which would administer consumer loans for implementing energy-efficient projects and structural improvements.
H.R. 4785 would have two components. A Rural Star Energy Program would be created to make loans available for rural utility providers and their customers, thereby providing homeowners with incentive to install energy efficiency and/or farm efficiency measures. The legislation would also designate a Home Star Energy Efficiency Program to grant loans to states that would in turn support loans to consumers for the purpose of generating energy-efficient home improvement projects.
The government already has a variety of similar energy efficiency programs, some of which (such as the Energy Star program) have been cited for poor oversight by federal investigators. Given the current economic climate, it is unfathomable for leaders to spend $5 billion on one more scheme that diverts consumer spending from potentially more beneficial uses. Congress should begin the urgent task of tackling our national debt – not adding to it.
A “NO” vote on H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, will be considered the pro-taxpayer vote in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact:
NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Jordan Forbes at (703) 683-5700