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March 4, 2008
The economic stimulus package that Congress passed last month means that many Americans will receive tax rebate checks this year. Congressman Zach Wamp and 17 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have urged that the rebate checks be used to invest in energy conservation and renewable energy products to save money, stimulate the economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“As our state and our country continue to consume large amounts of energy, it is increasingly important that we move closer toward energy independence. Encouraging taxpayers to use their rebates to install or invest in energy efficiency technologies is one way to help reduce energy consumption,” said Congressman Wamp.
Congressman Wamp, co-chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, cosponsored a bipartisan resolution introduced by Congressman Brian Baird of Washington, which urges Americans to use their tax rebate checks to purchase renewable energy and energy-efficiency products and services. This resolution also calls on retailers and service providers to offer promotions to encourage the purchase of products that will help conserve energy. After its introduction last month, the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
“The Tennessee Valley Authority will hold listening sessions this week with energy industry experts on the best ways to limit the growing energy needs in the region,” Congressman Wamp said. “In addition to a system-wide approach to conserve energy, the tax rebate checks create an opportunity for consumers themselves to invest into energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. This will help taxpayers reduce their energy consumption and their electricity bills, while helping spur the economy and advancing alternative energy solutions.”
TVA will conduct listening sessions in Knoxville this week on energy efficiency and renewable energy as part of developing its long-term plans to be more energy efficient and more effectively use renewable energy sources. The TVA Board members will have a panel of experts on these topics at the two sessions, which are open to the public.
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