The Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. (ASC) has announced its support of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (S.3177), a.k.a. “Cash for Caulkers,” as it will help stimulate domestic manufacturing of products that contain adhesives and sealants.

ASC has urged its members to join the HOME STAR Coalition and ask their U.S. senators to support The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 (S.3177), which will provide up to $6 billion incentives for consumers who improve the energy efficiency of their residential dwellings.

“This is an important piece of legislation to the adhesive and sealant industry as it is designed to spur domestic manufacturing growth,” said Matthew E. Croson, ASC president. “In addition to the obvious benefits to the American consumer, Cash for Caulkers will increase production of products that contain adhesives and sealants at a critical time in our industry’s economic recovery.”

The program is also projected to create approximately 170,000 jobs across many sectors, especially the construction sector, which has suffered unemployment rates as high as 25%.

Rebates will be offered to homeowners at the time of sale through two options - Silver Star and Gold Star. Silver Star will offer rebates for purchase and installation of home improvements that reduce energy consumption, such as energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors, roofing, insulation, duct sealing, HVAC units, and water heaters, many of which utilize adhesives and sealants. Homeowners will receive matching funds from $250 to $1,500 (not to exceed 50% of cost) depending on the type of project, with a cap of $3,000 on rebates.

Gold Star will go one step further by providing incentives for retrofitting an entire home. After conducting an energy audit, a contractor will design a customized retrofit and calculate savings that result from the recommended improvements. Homeowners will receive $3,000 for projected savings of 20%, plus $1,000 for each additional 5% of energy savings, with matching incentives of up to $8,000.

Once the bill has moved into the House, ASC intends to work with the Home Star Coalition on its campaign to inform House members of the legislation’s importance in putting people back to work, stimulating domestic manufacturing and fostering energy savings throughout the United States.

For more information, visitwww.ascouncil.org.