Baroni Announces "Buy Green, Save Green" Program

Senator Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Sales Tax for Energy Star Appliances

HAMILTON, NJ – Senator Bill Baroni (R-Mercer/Middlesex) announced today that he has introduced legislation to provide a sales and use tax elimination for sales of certain Energy Star labeled residential lighting and appliances.

Bill S-1778 will exempt sales tax from residential appliances that fit the requirements of Energy Star. This bill will assist those households dedicated to becoming energy efficient. With rising gas and electricity prices as well as shrinking fuel resources, environmental awareness is becoming increasingly important.

"Eliminating the sales tax will make Energy Star labeled appliances such as ceiling fans, dishwashers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners more affordable to the residential consumer and promote energy efficiency, " said Baroni.

In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced "Energy Star" label to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse emissions. In 1996, the EPA partnered with the federal Department of Energy for particular product categories. Energy Star claims to have delivered energy and cost savings of about $16 billion as well as eliminating greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars.

"As we head into the middle of what promises to be another hot summer, New Jersey residents are buying air conditioners and ceiling fans – putting a strain on finances and the environment. This legislation gives us a unique opportunity to help our environment while helping taxpayers' wallets, " said Baroni.

This legislation has bi-partisan support. Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly.

"We need to encourage every citizen of this state to make smart choices when purchasing new appliances for their home, " said Baroni. "This legislation is a win for everyone. Consumers will save money on their purchase and continue to save money in decreased utility costs. Businesses will see increased traffic, installers will be busier, and, most importantly, we will reduce our demand for non-renewable energy."

"Energy efficiency is the cheapest, most cost-effective and safest way to break our dependence on foreign oil and dirty, dangerous domestic energy sources, " stated David Pringle of the NJ Environmental Federation. "We're pleased to support Senator Baroni's bill to curb our energy demand, and thereby improve public health, combat global warming, and improve national security."

John Holub, President of the New Jersey Retail Merchant Association (NJRMA), strongly supports this legislation.

"New Jersey is long overdue in joining the growing list of states that have enacted an Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday. Such a holiday is a win-win for everyone. It's a win for the Jersey consumer who gets a significant savings on a sizeable purchase, it's a win for the environment by replacing older appliances with more efficient models, and it is a win for the economy and retailers, who will likely see additional sales. Jersey retailers look forward to this legislation being signed into law and thank Senator Baroni for his leadership on this important issue, " said Holub.