Energy Independence and Putting People to Work

Space heating accounts for about one-third of U.S. energy use. A combination of better insulation and solar heating could save more than half of this energy. At the same time, the construction trades are hurting from the housing crisis, and the economy needs a stimulus.

We should train tens of thousands of new and current workers, to install better insulation and solar heating for most of the nation’s existing housing. This new public works program could start us down a 20 year path to energy independence, be a productive stimulus to the economy, and save enormous amounts of money and resources for the long-term. The major beneficiaries would be the lower and middle classes, both renters and home-owners. However, everyone would benefit from greater energy independence.