The potential for Home Star to create jobs is proven and real. In Vermont, our statewide energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Vermont, created more than 430 jobs in 2007 and 2008, generating more than $40 million in income.

Home Star is a common sense idea that would create jobs and provide a boost to local economies, while helping families afford their energy bills. By encouraging homeowners to invest in energy efficiency retrofits, Home Star would create 170,000 manufacturing and construction jobs that could not be outsourced to China.

Let's create jobs by bringing the Shaheen-Portman bipartisan energy efficiency bill to the floor.

There are so many better options. There is so much untapped potential in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It requires some vision from the Legislature and the [regulators], and putting some programs in place. But it's definitely possible for North Carolina to chart a different course.

The industry is taking steps on both the energy efficiency and clean-energy fronts -- there are plenty of resorts doing one or both of those things.

Partners such as Sears are spreading the word about the importance of energy efficiency in all aspects of our lives. They are a leader in the industry and are doing an outstanding job of educating consumers about the benefits of ENERGY STAR products that help their customers save money and help protect our environment.