Iowa's Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program exhausted nearly $2.8 million in one day

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) sent a letter today urging Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to include funding for clean energy appliance rebate programs in any jobs legislation considered by the House.  The State of Iowa exhausted nearly $2.8 million in Recovery Act for a similar program on the first day of accepting applications. Braley was an original cosponsor of Cash for Clunkers, an extremely popular rebate program introduced last summer to exchange old, gas-guzzling cars for newer, energy efficient ones.  The program provided a much-needed shot in the arm for small auto dealers, auto part manufacturers and automobile manufacturers across Iowa and America.

"Yesterday the state of Iowa opened up applications for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program," Braley wrote. "The state received almost $2.8 million in funding for this program from last year's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Because of overwhelming response, all $2,775,150 in approved federal stimulus funds had been exhausted by the end of the program's first day.

"Because of the extreme popularity of the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, I encourage you to include in any jobs package a second round of funding for energy efficient appliance incentives. Increased funding would help put even more people back to work doing things such as manufacturing appliances or setting up new heating and cooling systems.

"Additionally, this program will help Americans pinched by the recent downturn in the economy. It is estimated that energy efficient appliances can save households up to $400 per year and add value to their properties. At the same time, it will help cut down on our use of fossil fuels, which leads to energy independence and security."

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