[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 1539-1540]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HOUSTON LEADS NATION IN ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, recently our Environmental 
Protection Agency announced a major milestone in saving electricity and 
avoiding greenhouse gases. One million Energy Star qualified homes have 
been built since the start of the program in 1992. $1.2 billion has 
been saved on energy bills and we have been able to reduce our 
greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds. In 2009, Americans have 
saved more than $270 million on utility bills.
  I am proud to say that Houston, a portion of the second district of 
Texas, leads the nation, with 144,000 Energy Star qualified homes since 
1995, Altogether, Texas cities hold 4 spots in the top 20 geographical 
areas.
  Thousands of Texans are saving millions of dollars by being aware of 
their energy consumption, making smart energy choices, and getting the 
most bang for their energy buck. The guidelines to getting a house 
Energy Star labeled are strict, but using common sense when trying to 
save energy can prevent greenhouse gases. Homes must have effective 
insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and 
ductwork, efficient heating and cooling, and high-efficiency lighting. 
Houston has the most of these homes, in a state where one-third of all 
electricity is used for air conditioning. That is almost three times 
the national average.
  Studies have shown that if Texas embraces conservation and 
comprehensive sets of energy technology, our state could avoid building 
any new electric generating plants for at least 15 years. Right now in 
2009, Texans have the highest average spending on residential 
electricity in the South. That is changing, and rapidly.
  The Energy Star program has paved the way for a new, energy efficient 
America. Houston, Texas is at the helm and our nation's advances in 
efficiency and awareness show no signs of slowing.
  And that's just the way it is.

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