Now to one of the latest efforts to jump-start the economy. It's like the government's cash for clunkers' program. But this one is for things like refrigerators and washing machines aimed at getting consumers to buy more energy efficient appliances. But as NBC's Tom Cadaver reports, there are questions about whether the program will work.

Bargain hunting in New York City

"So is it fitting in your spot in your kitchen?"

"Yes, the height is OK."

Well, the C's family is looking for a new refrigerator, drown into a home depot by the government's $300 million cash for appliances’ program. Buy a new fridge, washing machine or dish washer with an energy star logo. And you could get a rebate of $50 to $250. "It gives me the incentive to come in today to buy the refrigerator that we kind of needed. Because our refrigerator is 15 years old."

Because of the program varies from state to state. Consumers should check when their state's program begins and which appliances are included. Some offer deeper discounts for buying several appliances. Some offer cash for recycling old appliances.

"The government estimates that up to 30% of American home's energy use comes from appliances. And energy star appliances can cut that electricity use by up to 30%."

The government is borrowing the page from last year's $3 billion cash for clunkers’ program. While rebates of up to $4500 helped boost car sales. 690,000 new vehicles were sold, giving the economy a shot in the arm. But critics argue both programs are waste of money, providing just a short-term economic pump.

It doesn't help the economy in the long-term. What helps economy in the long-term is for consumers, household people to get their consumption up and keep it up. But already consumers are smelling deals.

"We have a lot of people coming in, mainly because there is a date and end date to this." The end date is when each day's money runs out.

相关中文报道：

为了在当前经济低迷时期，降低能源消耗，纽约州政府将推出“能源之星（Energy Star）”计划，纽约州居民凡是在2月12日至2月21日购买带有“能源之星”标志的家用电器，可以获得价值不等的现金回扣。

根据该计划，消费者购买冰箱将有资格获得75元的回扣，洗衣机获75元回扣，冷藏箱回扣50元。洗碗机、冰箱和洗衣机作为一个整体购买可以得到的回扣金额为500元。更大的回扣提供给有等待回收的废旧家电和可以出示回收证明的消费者：其中冰箱105元，洗衣机100元，冰箱75元，洗碗机、冰箱和洗衣机作为一个整体 550元。

同时为了帮助更多的华裔居民了解能源之星计划，或帮助华裔居民申请能源之星计划，纽约州众议员孟昭文将会协助华裔民众申请该项计划。凡是在2月12日至2月21日购买带有“能源之星”标志的家电，都可以携带购买收据前往孟昭文办公室进行现金回扣申请。

据了解，能源之星（Energy Star）是美国政府上世纪90年代推出的节能标示体系，是美国能源部、环保部门、生产商、零售商、消费者和地方政府在全国形成一种共识，已成为一种节能环保标志。美国能源开发署调查显示，43%的消费者在选择商品时他们会选择能源之星。能源之星认证产品覆盖了美国3400多种产品，其中最常见的包括紧凑型自整流荧光灯（CFL）户内及户外固定式灯具（RLF）。

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