This week, the US House will consider H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. This bill expands the flawed Energy Star program whereby the government gave "energy star" approval to fake products. In their letter to the US House urging all members to oppose this bill, ATR notes:

Making matters worse, H.R. 5019 comes on the heels of the Energy Star fraud which was exposed earlier this month. Countless stories in mainstream newspapers reported the lax standards by which the EPA approves “energy efficient” devices, allowing fifteen phony products to pass inspection. Among those products approved were a gasoline-powered alarm clock and an “air purifier,” which was nothing more than an upright fan with a feather duster taped to the top.

The full letter is below or click here for the PDF version.

Dear Congressman,

On behalf of Americans for Tax Reform, I am writing to express concern over H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. Aside from mandating union-only labor and adding more unnecessary spending, this bill also promotes products the failed “energy efficient” labeling program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In Section 2 of this bill, the language clearly states that “Accredited Contractor” and “Certified Workforce” are subject to the narrow definitions set by the Congress. Such restrictions ensure that the only acceptable source of labor is unionized companies. Union-only labor is not only discriminating, but is also much more expensive than non-union labor.  To truly make this bill fair and economically feasible, all contractors and workforces should be allowed to bid for contracts.

Making matters worse, H.R. 5019 comes on the heels of the Energy Star fraud which was exposed earlier this month. Countless stories in mainstream newspapers reported the lax standards by which the EPA approves “energy efficient” devices, allowing fifteen phony products to pass inspection. Among those products approved were a gasoline-powered alarm clock and an “air purifier,” which was nothing more than an upright fan with a feather duster taped to the top.

Section 13 appropriates nearly $6 billion dollars to fund the fraudulent system. In a time where Americans are calling for Washington to cut back on unnecessary spending, adding additional waste to the already bloated budget is nothing less than fiscally irresponsible.  Congress should not reward the EPA for their grave oversights and failed system of approving products.  

Americans for Tax Reform urges each and every member of the House of Representatives to oppose this bill in its current form.  Legislation which discriminates against workers and rewards corrupt government with billions of dollars in appropriations does nothing to benefit the United States.  H.R. 5019 should not be passed through the 111th Congress.
                   
Onward,
 
Grover G. Norquist

cc:    All U.S. House Members
        Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator