Stimulating our economy through energy efficiency

Rebecca D. Stanfield, Environment Illinois State Director wrote:
> Hi Daniel,
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> Thanks to the more than 1,000 members who contacted their legislators on residential energy efficient building code legislation in Illinois!
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> Last week, we discussed how energy efficient building codes could curb global warming pollution in Illinois. But did you know this legislation could also help jump-start our struggling economy?
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> Illinois features the 9th highest home foreclosure rate in the country, with foreclosures up nearly 95 percent since 2005. As utility bills rise, monthly homeownership costs become prohibitive for some families, forcing mortgage defaults.
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> Increased energy efficiency makes new home ownership more affordable by reducing the monthly costs of owning a new home. Through building codes at latest national model standards, Illinois families could save up to $466 annually on utility bills.
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> And that's more money to be spent on goods and services here in Illinois, creating jobs and stimulating our economy.
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> Urge your legislators to help our environment and our economy by voting for the Energy Efficient Building Act in 2008! Let's make it happen!
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> To take action, click on the link below:
> http://environmentillinois.org/action/new-energy-future/efficientbuildings?id4=ES
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> Saving energy is one of the best ways to improve our economy and cut global warming pollution. One of the largest energy uses is for heating, cooling and lighting buildings -- building energy use accounts for nearly 40% of total energy used in the U.S., and over 70% of total electricity consumption. Global warming pollution caused by the average home doubles that of the average car.
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> The best time to make sure a new building is using energy-saving design is at construction. New buildings can be energy efficient from the start or lost opportunities that stand for the next 30-50 years -- or more. This lost opportunity manifests itself in greater global warming pollution and increased energy costs.
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> Most states require home builders to incorporate energy saving measures when they build new homes. These building codes can dramatically cut global warming emissions as well as home energy costs. For example, a recent study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy found that if Illinois adopted the latest national energy efficiency standards statewide, we would save 12.8 million tons of CO2 pollution in Illinois alone by 2020 versus current construction practices.
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> The economic benefits are significant. Statewide residential energy efficiency codes at the latest model code standards would save Illinois families up to 32% on heating bills and up to 24% on cooling costs. Utility bill savings for Illinois families reach up to $466 annually.
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> While states like Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania feature codes at the latest national standards, Illinois is one of only ten states without statewide residential energy efficiency codes.
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> Two bills before the Illinois state legislature in 2008 -- HB 1842 and SB 526 -- would bring Illinois in line with the latest standards for new residential construction. This legislation, the Energy Efficient Building Act, is supported by a broad coalition of proponents: from environmental groups, to municipalities, to low-income housing groups.
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> This legislation passed the House by a 74-38 margin in 2007, but stalled in the Senate. We hope to pass the Energy Efficient Building Act into law in 2008, but we need your support!
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> Let's bring Illinois in line with national energy efficiency standards and urge your legislator to pass the Energy Efficient Building Act. To take action, just click on the link below:
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> http://environmentillinois.org/action/new-energy-future/efficientbuildings?id4=ES
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> Sincerely,
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> Rebecca D. Stanfield
> Environment Illinois State Director
> RebeccaS@environmentillinois.org
> http://www.environmentillinois.org
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> P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends. To learn more about how energy efficiency can help Illinoisans save money, reduce pollution, and expand the economy in the Midwest, be sure to check out The Power of Efficiency, our new Midwest energy efficiency report: http://environmentillinois.org/reports/new-energy-future/energy/the-power-of-efficiency-opportunities-to-save-money-reduce-pollution-and-expand-the-economy-in-the-midwest?id4=ES
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