House takes up homeowner energy efficiency bill

[May 06, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- People who install new windows, heaters, refrigerators and other energy-efficient technology in their homes would be eligible for thousands of dollars in federal rebates under legislation the House is taking up.

The two-year, $6 billion program is being referred to as Cash for Caulkers, following on the popular 2009 Cash for Clunkers program that rewarded people for trading in vehicles for more fuel-efficient models.

Democratic supporters say the bill, which has strong White House backing, has the triple benefit of creating thousands of jobs in the manufacturing sector, substantially lowering home energy costs and reducing greenhouse emissions.

But some Republicans have expressed concerns about the government's ability to run such a program and the costs of another jobs-promotion measure at a time of mounting federal debts.

___

The bill is H.R. 5019.

___

On the Net:

Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov/

[Associated Press; By JIM ABRAMS]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.