Water Efficiency in Home Star Draft to the Senate Floor for Consideration Next Week

2010-07-23

The Home Star efficiency rebate provisions will be brought up for consideration on the Senate floor next week as part of the Energy Bill.  Water efficiency rebate language is now part of the Home Star bill  -- side by side with energy efficiency language.  See latest draft below.  A "cleaned up" version may be offered if time permits, but the WaterSense Rebate Programs in both the Silver Star and Gold Star will remain in proposal.

The water efficiency provisions would:

   Silver Star Section

• Homeowners that purchase at least $300 in Water Sense products can receive a $150 rebate
• Eligible products include showerheads, toilets, faucets, and outdoor irrigation systems

   Gold Star Section

• Homeowners receive a $500 rebate for a 20% reduction in potable water use
• DOE develops a methodology to measure whole-home water savings within 6 months

   Financing

• Grants to states and municipalities can also be used towards local water programs

    Authorization of funds

• $100 million funds added to cover water conservation – total authorization now $5.1 billion
• No cap on the amount of money that goes to WaterSense rebates
• $70 million carve out for water conservation program in Gold Star

Please continue to reach out to your elected representatives to express support of the Home Star language.  An updated NEWS ITEM will be posted as soon as more information is available.  Check back often.