The WDDA and NGA have several concerns with Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program now before the Senate, including its potential to discriminate against small businesses, limit consumer choices, and, ultimately dilute the job-creation and energy-efficiency goals it seeks to address. The NGA and WDDA's positions include the following:- A provision in the proposed program will force contractors to give homeowners a discount and wait for reimbursement. At a time when small businesses are struggling with cash flow, smaller contractors will be able to carry a limited number of project rebates, if any. Larger companies with stronger financial footing will hold a competitive advantage.
- The WDDA and NGA support the House passed version of the Home Star legislation which required rebates to be sent directly to the homeowner. A homeowner rebate would allow for better job creation while still granting the homeowners a substantial incentive for higher efficiency improvements.
- The WDDA and NGA are also concerned that qualified contractors and those who are accredited by the Building Performance Institute may offer homeowners the more valuable Gold Star rebates. The accreditation requirement has the potential to limit the choices of those who want to take advantage of the Gold Star rebates. Twenty-seven states do not currently have any contractors who could offer the Gold Star rebates.
You can either look up your senator's contact information or call the main switchboard number 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator.
David Walker
VP Window & Door Dealers Alliance
VP National Glass Association
1 comment:
For hundreds of thousands of American construction and manufacturing workers who have been sidelined by the recession, the proposed Home Star program – which now awaits Senate approval.
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