Pick Up the Clean Energy PACE

From the Sierra Club


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		Dear Friend, Tell FHFA you want to invest in clean energy and energy-efficiency in your home. Two years ago, the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) derailed a program that allowed homeowners to put solar panels on their roofs and invest in energy-efficiency without having to take a personal loan. Right now, FHFA is taking public feedback on this program - but we only have one week left to show that we stand with clean energy. The program -- called PACE or Property Assessed Clean Energy -- was in full force in over 20 states until FHFA deemed it too risky. This decision conflicts with the 27 states that believe local PACE programs are a good investment.  However, we can bring PACE back with your help. Tell FHFA you want to be able to invest in clean energy and energy-efficiency in your home. So where does the money come from? The PACE program allows homeowners to agree to a property tax increase to pay for renewable energy installations and energy-efficiency improvements. This small increase is less than the anticipated utility bill savings, so it's a win-win-win. Energy savings, cost savings, and a cozier home! If you sell your home before the project is paid for, the tax is passed on to the new homeowner who will continue to reap the benefits. Tell FHFA to bring back PACE because it makes clean energy and home energy-efficiency improvements affordable. PACE also brings an economic shot in the arm to our communities. Within the first year, the Boulder County, CO PACE program created 120 jobs, brought $20 million in overall economic activity, and reduced homeowner's energy use by $125,000.1 What if you could do the same for your community? Now is the time to reinstate a common-sense program to help homeowners save money and create local jobs! Sincerely, Mary Anne Hitt Beyond Coal Director Sierra Club P.S. Please share this email with your friends and family. Help us get 20,000 letters into FHFA! References: [1] "Economic Impacts from the Boulder County, Colorado, ClimateSmart Loan Program: Using Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing", NREL, July 2011. If you do not wish to receive future emails like this, click here to be removed from this type of email contact.

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Sierra Club
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