National Trust for Historic Preservation Hails Passage of “The American Clean Energy and Security Act” and Provisions to Increase Energy Efficiency of Older and Historic Homes and Businesses
Act Creates Jobs, Increases Energy Efficiency of Buildings and Fights Climate Change
Posted September 1, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
The National Trust for Historic Preservation today hailed the House of Representatives' passage of "The American Clean Energy and Security Act," a comprehensive energy bill that will create millions of new clean energy jobs and help increase the energy efficiency of older and historic homes and businesses. Homeowners and businesses would be provided financial incentives for weatherization under a new Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) program included in the bill by Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT). Increased energy efficiency is viewed as essential to reducing the carbon emissions of homes and buildings, the operation of which accounts for 43% of carbon emissions in the U.S.
"Congressman Welch's leadership and foresight in developing a bill that creates jobs, increases energy efficiency in homes and businesses, and helps fight climate change is absolutely tremendous," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "His provisions for the owners of historic and older homes and businesses will enable preservation to become an even greater part of a bright future for American energy independence."
REEP would fund state and municipal investments of up to half the cost of retrofitting the nation's existing homes and buildings. Homeowners could qualify for $1,000-$3,000 in financial incentives for achieving a 10 to20 percent increase in efficiency, with another $150 for every additional percentage point of energy savings achieved. Historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places would be eligible for a twenty percent boost in these same awards because of the special needs and higher costs associated with retrofitting historic buildings. In addition REEP would give businesses up to $2.50 per square foot for making major energy reductions and historic buildings would get the same 20 percent boost available to historic homes. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), has included REEP provisions in the Senate version of the energy bill to be considered later this summer
The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence, and fight climate change. In addition to promoting greater energy efficiency in homes and buildings, the Act also addresses: clean energy that promotes renewable sources of energy; clean electric vehicles: energy efficiency that applies to all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry; and, consumer protection that promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
