Statement On County Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

On February 24, 2009, I introduced legislation, with the support of five of my colleagues that will create a County Home Energy Loan Program (HELP).  I am more excited about the potential of this initiative than any energy and environmental legislation I have worked on over the past 30-plus years.  This revolving fund will simultaneously help homeowners reduce their utility bills and their carbon emissions by 20 to 30%, put people to work in the new green economy, and not require any expenditure by the County.  Under HELP, a homeowner would voluntarily obtain a home energy audit from a certified auditor, take the results to the County, and the County will provide a zero-interest 15-year loan to make the clean energy improvements, including solar.  The loan is secured by a lien on the property, and the loan itself runs with the property, which means that a homeowner does not have to worry about how long they will be in their home when making such an investment.  The County's role in this long-standing effort to break the financial barriers to home energy efficiency is what is so key.  It has been my pleasure to work with Congressman Chris Van Hollen on this measure, as he has secured funding for HELP in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is introducing legislation to create a federal HELP program.  For more information regarding HELP, see the information packet.

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