Michael Burgess: “This amendment would strike the $12 million it has designated for advertising that will be paid for by the Federal…”

“This amendment would strike the $12 million it has designated for advertising that will be paid for by the Federal Government. Now, let's be honest. Energy efficiency sells itself. If consumers see lower bills, they use less electricity. It is inherently incentivized. The major manufacturers and retailers of the products listed in this bill know how to sell their wares. They have commercials on television, which I see when I'm home in my district every week: You can do it. We can help. They've been doing it for years. The Environmental Protection Agency does not need to spend money on advertising when these retailers are already doing everything they can to tell people about these rebates and to get customers in their stores. They certainly know how to market Energy Star rebates. Why would this be any different? If Members think their constituents aren't aware of the program, they can spread the word on their own, much like we did with Medicare prescription drug benefits and with the D-TV program.”