(A press release from Congressman Chris Lee)

Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) today highlighted bipartisan legislation he and several colleagues recently introduced to incentivize making energy efficiency improvements to homes and small businesses. H.R. 4226, the Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act, will reduce energy costs for families and small businesses, promote innovation and conservation, and create future energy jobs.

This legislation follows meetings with the 26th District’s Energy Advisory Boards in which Congressman Lee gathered area energy leaders to listen to expert insights in how to best create affordable energy and achieve energy independence and a cleaner environment.

“Home heating prices continue to rise, and I frequently hear from Western New Yorkers who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency but do not have access to the resources they need,” said Congressman Lee. “The incentives included in this bill will encourage home and small business owners to make important structural improvements that will significantly decrease energy costs.”

The current average cost of home heating oil in Erie and Niagara counties is approximately $2.69 per gallon (nearly 10 cents higher than last year), according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. H.R. 4226 is designed to improve energy efficiency during this time of rising costs.

Speaking near a North Tonawanda Energy Star Rated home currently under construction, Congressman Lee said it is important to address home and building efficiency through both retrofitting existing homes as well as promoting the building of new energy efficient homes. To this effect, H.R. 4226 is endorsed by the National Association of Realtors and the National Multi Housing Council.

“Many property owners seek to improve the energy efficiency of their home or building but do not now have access to the resources and tools they need. This bill helps provide critical tools and resources for building efficiency,” said the President of National Association of Realtors, Vicki Cox Golder. “Investments in building energy efficiency are critical to developing better energy performance of our nation’s homes and buildings while also stimulating the economy and job creation.”

“By increasing energy efficiency, both families and small businesses across Western New York will see a decline in their utility bills,” added Congressman Lee. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation and will push for its implementation.”