FW: Call for Action: Energy Efficiency Yes, Energy Labels No

Call for Action: Energy Efficiency Yes, Energy Labels No Congress is considering developing an energy rating and labeling system where every home and building in America is assigned a number between 1 and 100 based on energy usage. The goal is for buyers to start using these numbers in making property buying decisions. NAR has serious concerns with a one-size-fits-all approach to home ratings and the potential impact of such a system particularly on older properties. We think there is a better way. Tell your Senator that you support a strong housing market and energy efficiency. Tell them tax credits, financial incentives, and educating consumers are better ways to achieve the benefits of energy efficiency while growing the housing market. It's a win-win for everyone. Mandates and labels will slow our economic recovery, and hurt energy efficiency. Please contact your Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee member today to oppose development of home energy ratings and labels. Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Below is the sample letter: Subject: Oppose energy bill provisions to create an energy rating system for real estate Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here], I urge you to oppose draft energy bill provisions being discussed by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to create an energy rating and labeling system for homes, multi-family and commercial properties. States would receive grants to use the rating system. As a Realtor, I appreciate the value of information in helping consumers to make the most informed property buying and rental decisions. I recognize the importance of conserving energy, but rating every property in America will not save energy. It will however, stigmatize older properties, and further reduce property values at a time when so many owners have seen their equity as well as retirement savings vanish. If the objective is energy efficient homes and buildings, the better approach would be to create incentives that provide property owners with the resources necessary to make needed energy improvements that save them money and achieve the energy savings desired in the near term. For example, the energy bill under consideration would include separate provisions (in addition to those for labeling) to provide property owners with matching grants for energy-related improvements. Please oppose the energy bill provisions to create energy numerical rating and labeling of real estate and instead, support the ones that create financial incentives that actually result in energy conservation and efficiency in our nation's homes and buildings. Sincerely, Agent Name Take Action! Instructions: Click here to take action on this issue What's At Stake: The premise of the Waxman-Markey (House) Bingaman-Murkowski (Senate) bill provisions is that if every home in America has an energy label and rating, consumers will start factoring into property buying decisions the energy efficiency of a building or home. What's more likely to happen is buyers will use the energy label as a bargaining chip and present sellers with "take it or leave it" propositions – for example, improve your energy score by 5 points or knock $4,000 off the selling price. In today's market, sellers will have no choice but to reduce the selling price, forcing down property values at a time when many property owners have already seen their retirement savings and equity vanish. Additional Background Information: Talking Points on Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Climate Change Issue Summary Campaign Expiration Date: May 29, 2009