Here Comes Cash for Caulkers

Demand for new equipment will spike, then collapse

(NEWSER) - So President Obama is going to give businesses a break by letting them write off 100% of the cost of new equipment and plants. Welcome to "cash-for-clunkers-o-nomics," writes Joe Weisenthal at Business Insider . In a tepid economy, probably the only companies that take advantage will be those that have older equipment due to be replaced in a few years anyway. More»

Executive order requires federal agencies to reduce waste, conserve energy

(NEWSER) - Federal agencies have until 2020 to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 28% under an executive order President Obama signed today. The order also calls for improvements in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. "As the largest energy consumer in the United States, we have a responsibility to American citizens to reduce our energy use and become more efficient," Obama said before signing the order. More»

President goes to Home Depot to pitch 'cash for caulkers'

(NEWSER) - President Obama set up his official podium at Home Depot today to pitch what some are calling his “cash for caulkers” program. Obama wants Congress to give consumers cash incentives to make their homes more energy-efficient. “I know the idea may not be very glamorous, although I get really excited about it,” said Obama. “We were at the roundtable and somebody said, 'Insulation's not sexy.' I disagree. Here’s what’s sexy about it: saving money.” More»

President lays out ideas to create jobs

(NEWSER) - President Obama proposed a series of job-creating ideas today to supplement the original stimulus plan, with an emphasis on helping small businesses through tax breaks and a suspension of their capital gains taxes. He also called for spending on highways and other infrastructure projects as well as the so-called “Cash for Caulkers” program, which offers incentives to people to weatherize their homes. He did not put a price tag on the measures, saying it would depend on their scale when enacted by Congress. More»

(NEWSER) - The House voted today to beef up the "cash for clunkers" program to the tune of $2 billion, but that doesn’t mean shoppers and dealers are any clearer on the federal program, the Detroit Free Press reports. “It is an absolute total mess,” one dealer says. One customer who made a last-minute deal is more charitable. “I know how the laws go—they go through and they don’t have the processes in place to handle them.” She works for the Social Security Administration. More»