Improving the energy efficiency of America's homes, businesses and public buildings will create thousands of jobs in the green workforce, fight global warming, increase energy independence, and reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers. That's why we urge that a significant part of the Economic Recovery Act be directed to greater investment in energy efficiency.

Investing in energy efficiency can be done immediately with quick results through expanding existing channels and programs. Billions of dollars in energy efficiency projects are already planned for 2009 and 2010 through an established infrastructure with several existing State and Federal Programs. These include:

• State-authorized utility and third-party administered programs
• Federal energy service contracts
• The DOE-funded low-income Weatherization Assistance program

• Creates jobs for local workers to replace old and inefficient heating and cooling systems, insulate homes and replace inefficient lighting.
• Reduces energy costs for consumers and provides additional consumer purchasing power. Every $1 in efficiency investments produces approximately $3 in reduced energy costs.
• Lowers demand for energy and therefore lowers prices for all consumers.
• Offers the fastest, least expensive, cleanest way to meet our environmental goals and decrease the costs created by pollution.
• Builds upon existing infrastructure and labor force. In many cases, increased jobs can directly benefit workers who have been laid off
  from the construction and housing markets.

• Increase low-income weatherization
• Fund expansion of existing State-authorized and approved efficiency programs
• Speed up federal contracting for energy services
• Institute programs that encourage retrofitting existing buildings
• Support 'Green Jobs' training and public awareness

The National SAVE Energy Coalition is a group of organizations, businesses, labor unions and environmental advocates who are already implementing successful energy efficiency strategies and programs.

With your help we can expand services, create new jobs, and save energy. Our members will be circulating specific detailed recommendations to members of Congress. Taking action by funding more of the country’s existing energy efficiency programs is a very cost-effective way to stimulate the economy.