FO R IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

 

Governor Signs Landmark Energy Efficiency Upgrade Bill

The Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology Act helps home and business owners make energy efficient upgrades to their properties

 

SALEM – Oregon State Representatives said Wednesday’s signing of HB 2626, the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology Act of 2009 (EEAST), will help home and business owners make energy efficient upgrades to their properties and create thousands of job opportunities while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. 

 

“Today, we give Oregonians a tool to lower their energy bills and we push Oregon to the forefront of national climate policy,” said State Rep. Jules Bailey (D-Portland), one of the bill’s chief sponsors. “EEAST is the beginning of a long road to a sustainable economy.”

 

EEAST was also chief-sponsored by Representatives Tobias Read (D-Beaverton), Chris Edwards (D-Eugene) and Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg).  The bill was signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski as part of a package of legislation designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in Oregon. 

 

"EEAST will put Oregonians back to work, help save families money on their monthly utility bills, protect our environment and make Oregon a leader in energy efficiency,” said Rep. Edwards.  “This is a great piece of legislation and I am proud of what we’ve achieved with its passage.”

 

EEAST provides low interest, long term loans to homeowners to upgrade essential energy efficiency components in their homes or businesses, including windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems and insulation.  EEAST uses no taxpayer money and is financed through a combination of federal stimulus funds, state bonding and private loans.  The loan is paid back through the energy savings accumulated by the property owner.

 

"Like the bottle bill and public beaches, EEAST is a landmark achievement that exemplifies the creativity and innovation that have come to define the 'Oregon Way,’” said Rep. Read.  “House Bill 2626 is the result of a collaboration that is Oregon's hallmark.  Today's signing is an opportunity for us to acknowledge all those who contributed, and for all Oregonians to celebrate the policy that will reduce costs, and energy use while it reduces greenhouse gas pollution and creates good jobs.  I'm proud to be part of it."

 

 

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