Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Save Energy Efficiency Jobs During and After the Coronavirus Pandemic

Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and David McKinley (R-W.Va.), along with Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help save energy efficiency jobs during and after the coronavirus pandemic. The bill aims to provide rebates to help homeowners retrofit their homes to cut their monthly energy costs, stimulate the energy efficiency market for jobs and suppliers, and help protect the environment by investing in clean, efficient technology.

The energy efficiency industry, which prior to the pandemic employed more than 2.3 million Americans, has been hit hard by COVID-19, shedding more than 400,000 jobs since the start of the pandemic. Energy efficient retrofits save consumers nearly $800 billion each year on their energy bills and are responsible for more than $540 million in public health benefits annually. This bipartisan legislation will help the energy efficiency sector retain jobs and invest in much-needed training to create new opportunities in the workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• The HOPE for HOMES Act of 2020 aims to create rebates for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements, including $800 to add insulation to their home, $1,500 for adding insulation and replacing part of their HVAC system, $2,000 for retrofits that lead to savings of 20-40% of whole-house energy use, and $4,000 for retrofits that save at least 40% of whole-house energy use.
• The bill authorizes $500 million in grants to help develop training curriculums and assist companies in providing financial incentives to contractors to undertake online training to advance their capabilities to efficiently retrofit homes.
• The legislation also provides $1,000 per employee rehired, up to $10,000 total, to contracting companies willing to cover the costs of training and technology upgrades needed to achieve online learning.
• A $1,000 stipend is provided to contractors who complete the HOPE Training and are prepared to advance their careers and help homeowners with home retrofits.
• The bill aims to help American workers and companies weather the storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating new opportunities in the workforce and stimulating job creation across all energy sectors.
• The legislation is designed to be a win-win-win for green jobs, homeowners, and the environment, providing immediate assistance to the energy efficiency sector while making long-term investments to encourage home efficiency and strengthen the green economy.

Statistics:

• Over 2.3 million Americans were employed in the energy efficiency industry prior to the pandemic.
• More than 400,000 jobs in the energy efficiency industry have been lost since the start of the pandemic.
• Energy efficient retrofits save consumers nearly $800 billion each year on their energy bills.
• Energy efficient retrofits are responsible for more than $540 million in public health benefits annually.
• Over 45 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since mid-March.

Sources:

• United States House of Representatives Çô Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)
• MIL OSI USA News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2020 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com