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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
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House committee approves DePasquale proposal
to help people buy energy-efficient homes
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – During Tuesday’s House Environmental and Energy Committee meeting, members unanimously approved a proposal introduced by state Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, that would encourage citizens to purchase energy-efficient homes.
Specifically, the legislation (Special Session H.B. 12) would create a two-year pilot program offering grants to home buyers of up to $5,000 to offset closing costs and down payment assistance programs on homes that meet or exceed energy-efficiency standards or include certain alternative energy systems.
“Oil is close to topping $100 a barrel, electric rate caps are set to expire in three years, and home heating costs are expected to continue to rise. Many Pennsylvanians will be facing tough decisions on how to heat and power their homes,” DePasquale said. “We need to take a look at long-term solutions to the energy crisis. This bill will create an incentive for home buyers to look for energy-efficient homes and help them offset some of the initial costs that come with installing these energy-saving systems.”
DePasquale said the legislation would offer grants of $2,500 to offset certain mortgage costs if the home exceeds energy and water conservation requirements set by state law and is certified as an ENERGY STAR home. An additional grant of $2,500 could be provided to the buyer if the house incorporates certain alternative energy systems such as solar or wind energy technologies.
“As we begin to prepare for electric rate caps to expire, this legislation will help promote energy-efficient homes as a way to lower the burden that utility bills have and will continue to have on consumers’ pocket books,” DePasquale added. “Also, by promoting alternative energy technology, we will be helping to promote our economy because the alternative energy sector is one of our fastest growing manufacturing sectors in Pennsylvania.
“This bill, if passed into law, will help make sure we take advantage of this growing industry -- creating and sustaining jobs, and building our economy all while reducing consumer costs and promoting energy independence. It’s a win-win proposal,” he said.
The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. DePasquale is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA95 (7-2-95) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.
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CONTACT: Bill Thomas |