clean energy
Kerry and Boxer Release Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009
Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009 that will create clean energy jobs, reduce pollution, enhance domestic energy production and combat global climate change. The bill is similar to to the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 that passed the House of Representatives in June. Both bills place limits on greenhouse gases, create incentives for energy conservation, and provide for a system of trading carbon emission permits. The Senate bill is headed for a series of public hearings before being brought to the Environment and Public Works Committee, which is chaired by Senator Boxer.
Texas has a large stake in a bill that will address climate change and energy independence. The state has the resources to become a leader in renewable power through wind, solar, and other innovative technologies. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, if Texas makes a big investment in energy efficiency now, by the year 2023 we’ll save $5 billion in energy costs, create more than 38,000 jobs, and reduce air pollution by 20 percent.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
In October 2008, Congress passed the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424). Texas Impact and our members strongly advocated the environmental renewable tax credits that are included within this legislature. While we post more information about the full reign of these renewable credits over the next few weeks, right now you can find out more about Energy Star appliances which are applicable for these renewable tax credits at the Energy Star website.
Don't "Bail" on Clean Energy!
All year we’ve been calling for the reauthorization of federal tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency, and now the credits have one more chance to continue—as part of the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “bailout bill”).
The US Senate has included the clean energy tax incentives in the bailout bill it passed Wednesday. Both Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn voted for the package.
However you feel about the bailout, it is crucial that these tax credits are passed before they expire at the end of this year. The bill will allow solar and wind projects to go forward, and will also add a significant job development enhancement to the package.
The bailout bill goes to the US House of Representatives on Friday. Many members of the House continue to oppose the bailout package, but support the clean energy tax credits and other important provisions included in the Senate bill.
We believe we should do everything we can to protect Creation and encourage green jobs creation. Please make a quick phone call TODAY to urge your House representative to support clean energy in any tax package that goes forward.
Find your congressional representative’s phone number or find out who represents you
Sample phone message:
"I'm calling to urge Congressmember _______________________ to extend the tax incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation. Please make sure these job-creating incentives are not allowed to expire, and are included in any tax package that goes forward."
Other points you may want to add:
* The residential tax incentives included will help average homeowners
* The clean energy tax credits will create 1.2 million green jobs
* Without the tax credits, wind, solar, and other projects currently underway will be stalled
Read an op-ed on the importance of the clean energy tax credits
