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Today, Senator Donald McEachin (SD-9) held a press conference for his energy efficiency bill, SB 1447. His legislation would require utilities to invest in energy efficiency measures. These programs create new jobs in Virginia and save consumers money all while addressing climate change. Sen. McEachin's bill is estimated to save Virginians approximately $15 billion on electric bills by the year 2025.
Sen. McEachin emphasized that investing in energy efficiency is truly the cheapest and most effective way for Virginia to meet its energy demands in the coming years. He also stressed that energy efficiency investments create jobs. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), nearly 10,000 new jobs could be created by 2025 as a result of investments made in energy efficiency.
"By using proper air sealing, insulation materials, along with accurately sized, sealed and tested air duct systems, homeowners can reduce the cost to operate a more comfortable home by 30% or more compared to other new homes. These same technologies can be used to help older homes reduce their operating cost by 50% or more. Our Home Energy Remodelers division is comprised of insulation and heating contractors; this same type of repair crew could be put together all across the state, to get people working again, while utilizing energy efficiency as our greatest energy resource." - Mark Waring
Sen. McEachin was joined at the press conference by Mark Waring, Vice President of Waring Bain Builders, a Virginia construction firm that is involved in energy efficient construction and home energy audits, and Robert Howlett, a Richmond homeowner who has benefited from energy efficiency measures that he had access to through the Home Weatherization Assistance Program.
"Before the work done to my home, I was paying so much to keep warm in the winter. But now that Elder Homes has provided weatherization assistance, I am staying warm for much less money." - Robert Howlett
Here's hoping that Sen. McEachin's bill gains traction this year!
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