HOME STAR is proposed new legislation to create jobs

HOME STAR is proposed new legislation to create jobs in existing industries by providing strong short-term incentives for energy efficiency improvements in residential buildings. The initiative is being discussed in the Senate and House with strong support from the White House.  The program establishes a $6 billion rebate program to encourage immediate investment in energy efficient retrofits. Federal standards and incentives will be used to lower program costs and increase consumer awareness.
HOME STAR provides two types of consumer incentives. One is the Silver Star prescriptive path where homeowners receive between $1,000 and $1,500 for each measure installed in the home, or $250 per appliance, with a benefit not exceeding $3,000 or at least 50% of the total project costs (whichever is less).  The second incentive is the Gold Star performance path which offers an incentive to households that choose to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and then implement measures that provide greater energy savings.  Incentives can not exceed 50% of project costs.
A related green building legislative proposal was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) on March 8, called Building Star.  Building Star provides a package of incentives to scale up energy efficiency improvements in existing commercial buildings and multi-family residential buildings.  This retrofit proposal is aimed at creating jobs, promoting energy independence, saving money and creating healthier places to live and work.  The program would extend low-interest financing options to small businesses and other building owners.