[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCING THE ENERGY EFFICIENT MODERNIZATION ACT

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                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I am introducing the ``Energy Efficiency 
Modernization Act of 2009,'' to establish market incentives so that 
federally assisted housing can become more energy efficient.
  Federally assisted housing programs provide real opportunities for 
green improvements. However, existing rules and regulations make it 
difficult for owners of federally assisted housing to maximize efforts 
and decrease our Nation's energy bill.
  A 2008 study by the Government Accountability Office found that the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development spends an estimated $5 
billion annually on energy costs to pay for roughly 6 million units of 
housing, representing almost 17 percent of the Nation's rental housing 
stock.
  Improving the energy efficiency of federally assisted housing by 25 
to 40 percent would result in savings for HUD at roughly $1 billion to 
$1.5 billion annually, making the long-term cost savings for the 
Federal Government--and, most importantly, taxpayers--substantial.
  Furthermore, energy efficiency improvements will provide stimulus to 
the economy in terms of capital projects and ``green collar'' jobs, 
create best practices for the industry on the whole and fulfill the 
mandate of HUD.

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