Vote NO on HB1131

Repealing the Energy Conservation Endorsement Act is bad for Arkansas

• HB1131 will cost Arkansas businesses and homeowners millions of dollars. It is a "reverse stimulus" package that will increase Arkansas energy costs and decrease stimulus dollars available from the federal government.
• Energy efficiency SAVES money.  The Arkansas Public Service Commission recently said, "…energy efficiency is almost invariably the least cost option to address our growing demand for natural gas and electricity and should be the first resource used to reduce energy demand."
• Utility companies are already implementing efficiency programs by working with the Arkansas Public Utilities Commission.  Their plans call for $18 million worth of efficiency programs over the next two years that will save customers and the state significantly more than the investment – usually a $2 for $1 savings. Under those estimates, HB 1131 would cause Arkansas consumers to lose as much as $36 million.
• These efficiency programs are employing people in the hard-hit construction sector to make energy-saving home improvements.  Ending these programs would cause more job loss at a time when job creation should be the focus.
• Utility powerhouses such as Entergy and SWEPCO have publicly applauded the sustainability efforts of the Public service Commission.
• By repealing this act, Arkansas will forgo critical federal support because federal funds are matching. Therefore, no state funds, no federal funds.