West Virginia Ride Share Program Energy saving tips ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Clean Air Forum Alternative fuels Building Professionals Energy Training Program Industrial assessment Industries of the Future-West Virginia West Virginia Lighting Grants Program Recycling Renewable energy Saving Energy in Public Schools West Virginia Energy Star Program Effective September 1-7, 2008, West Virginians will not have to pay the state’s 6% sales and use tax on certain ENERGY STAR qualified products. Purchases qualify for the sales and use tax holiday if the purchase is for a product that: has been designated as an ENERGY STAR product by the U.S. EPA costs $2,500 or less is for noncommercial, home or personal use. Retailers: Click here to download ENERGY STAR signage for in-store displays. Click here to visit the State Tax Department's page for more information. ENERGY STAR® PROGRAM (A list of frequently asked questions is below) Type of assistance: Energy efficiency Purpose: ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Description: Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice. Because a strategic approach to energy management can produce twice the savings - for the bottom line and the environment - as typical approaches, EPA's ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and rewarding improvements. For more information: Contact the West Virginia Division of Energy at (800) 982-3386 or (304) 558-2234. West Virginia ENERGY STAR Frequently asked questions How do products earn the ENERGY STAR? Products that earn the ENERGY STAR are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect. How do I find stores that carry ENERGY STAR products? Although qualified products can be found in most stores, some retailers have partnered with ENERGY STAR to train their sales staff about energy efficiency so that they can provide you with advice about purchasing energy-efficient products for your home and office. Click here for a store locator to find such retailers in your area. What are some steps I can take to save energy and reduce pollution? Change 5 Lights. Replace your 5 most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Available in more than 40 product categories, including lighting and home appliances. Heat and cool intelligently. Have your heating and cooling equipment serviced annually and remember to replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat, and when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an ENERGY STAR qualified model. Seal up your home. Seal air leaks, add insulation and choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Tell family and friends. We're asking you to help spread the word that energy efficiency is good for your home and good for our environment.