Russ Feingold: “this amendment is based on my Community Revitalization Energy Conservation Act, S. 222, and I am very pleased to be…”

“this amendment is based on my Community Revitalization Energy Conservation Act, S. 222, and I am very pleased to be joined by the Senator from Michigan in offering it. This amendment will address our energy and economic challenges while putting Americans to work. Supporting energy efficiency improvements to America's homes and businesses is one of the smartest ways we can face these challenges to create jobs and reduce our energy consumption. The goal of this amendment is to decrease energy consumption, create green jobs, and increase the number of energy efficient projects by reducing the significant cost barriers, such as the prohibitive upfront costs to homeowners and businesses who want to make improvements to their homes and buildings. Aggressively pursuing energy efficiency will help put us on a path toward energy security. Presently, buildings account for 40 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and 70 percent of U.S. electricity consumption. In order for us to decrease our reliance on fossil-based fuels, this has to change. We can achieve 20 to 30 percent energy reduction through better insulation, lighting, and HVAC equipment and controls. Potentially, we have the opportunity to save over $200 billion through building efficiency alone.”