ENERGY EFFICIENCY TAX HOLIDAY BILL MOVES FROM COMMITTEE

 HARRISBURG, JUNE 15 – Legislation that would create tax holidays for consumers who purchase certain energy efficient home appliances moved from the Senate Finance Committee today, according to the bill sponsor, state Sen. Connie Williams.

 “My legislation would offer an incentive to purchase energy efficient appliances,” Williams said. “Today there is a wide array of features on home appliances, which add convenience, but also can help save on electric bills and protect the environment. My bill would give consumers a real cost savings – initially in the form of a state tax break on the purchase of the appliance, and in the long-run with a savings on their electric bills.”

 Williams’ legislation (S.B. 266) would provide two week-long holidays from sales tax on the retail sale of certain energy efficient appliance, including clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, ventilating fans, compact fluorescent bulbs and residential light fixtures.

 According to some estimates, the average family spends $1,400 annually on energy bills. Using energy efficient appliances could save families about 30 percent of that bill – or about $400 annually.

 The bill, which was part of the 2004-05 budget negotiations and is currently under consideration for inclusion in Growing Greener II, also includes language to provide another consumer tax savings on home weatherization supplies. The language also appears as stand-alone legislation (S.B. 633) introduced by Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria). Energy-savings materials would mean exterior windows, exterior doors, storm windows, insulation, home wrap and furnaces.

 “This bill would address appliances and home-weatherization supplies that the most Pennsylvania families will have to purchase or replace,” Williams said. “It is legislation that encourages consumers to ‘think green’ and in the process to ‘save green.’”

 Following today’s committee action, the bill advances to the full Senate for consideration.