Clean Jobs Bill Can Create 185,000
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But a new bill in Congress could help get construction workers off the bench and back on the job. “Building Star” – introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate – would promote energy efficient installations and retrofits in commercial and multi-family residential buildings through government rebates, tax incentives and low-cost financing options.
The legislation – introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) – would, according to the Sheet Metal Workers Union:
Create at least 185,000 jobs in 2010. With a federal investment of $6 billion, Building Star will spur total market activity of $15 - $20 billion, based on experience with proven state and utility-run rebate programs. Applying job-creation ratios typical for commercial retrofits, a program of this size would create at least 185,000 construction, manufacturing and support jobs in 2010.
According to energy blogger Houston Neal, lighting retrofits present a big opportunity for IBEW electricians, with lighting accounting for more than 40 percent of the commercial sector’s electricity consumption.
And by cutting down on wasteful energy usage, the retrofits would save employers $3.3 billion a year according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The bill has been endorsed by a wide array of corporate, labor and community leaders, from the National Electrical Contractors Association and Lockheed Martin to the Blue Green Alliance.
Says IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill:
Our economy will never get back on track until we get our construction industry moving again. Building Star is an important step in the right direction, putting out-of-work construction workers back on the job helping America achieve energy independence.
Click here to send a message to your lawmakers.
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