House Passes Comprehensive Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act

September 16, 2008

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter’s (CO-07) G.R.E.E.N. Act (Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) is expected to pass through the full House of Representatives as part of HR 6899, the Comprehensive Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act.

The GREEN Act provisions of HR 6899 are Rep. Perlmutter’s number one priority legislation during his first term in Congress. Perlmutter was asked to chair the Financial Services Committee Energy Efficiency Task Force which developed the provisions. The measure provides incentives to lenders and financial institutions to provide lower interest loans and other benefits to consumers, who build, buy or remodel their homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency.

Perlmutter stated, “This legislation proves it is easy to be green. The GREEN Act measures will help revitalize our economy by making energy efficiency practices more affordable, accessible and achievable by consumers, businesses and government entities. By prioritizing energy efficiency practices, we can ease the woes of homeowners, lenders, financial markets, builders and our environment.”

“In order to save green, we must go G.R.E.E.N. This bill is another tool to move our country toward energy conservation and sustainable development.”

"This comprehensive energy package is a bold step forward, helping end our dependence on foreign oil. Quite simply, this entire bill is good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs.”

Perlmutter’s provisions have broad support from consumers, industry, financial institutions, and developers. The GREEN Act provisions are the result of a year-long Financial Services Committee Energy Efficiency Task Force focusing on how to incorporate energy efficiency into the financial services sector.

Upon passage in the House, the bill will go to the Senate for a vote.