Talking Green

Car-Free to Bali Conference

This is cool. In an effort to reduce carbon footprint, delegates to Bali Climate conference gets two methods of transportation, wheelers or shuttle buses.

One Step Closer, House Passes Energy Bill (HR 3221)

It's long due -- for the U.S.-- to lead the world on renewable energy. Democrats in the House passed the Energy bill by a vote of 235 to 181. The vote is broken down along party line. This bill is probably the strongest 'clean' energy bill ever passed by Congress with the push for renewable energy.

According to Vote Solar, the bill contain strong support that could bring the solar technology to scale: 1) 8-year extension of 30% investment tax credit for solar installation in businesses, 2) 6-year extension of the investment tax credit for residential solar system with a cap of $4,000.

SEIA has more information on tax provisions. Summaries here and text here. The fight is not over yet. Still have to pass the Senate overwhelmingly.

Action Alert! UPDATE from SEIA.

In what we interpret as a negotiating  maneuver, this morning the Senate did not attain 60 votes to proceed on the House-passed Energy  Security and Savings Act of 2007 and the Clean Renewable Energy and  Conservation Tax Act of 2007 (H.R. 6).  Republican leadership effectively organized opposition to the bill, citing as objectionable (1) the increase in taxes on the oil and gas industries in the tax package and (2) the 15 percent national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES).  These provisions have also drawn a veto threat from the President.  The tax title is of key importance to the solar industry because it contains extensions of the commercial and residential ITC for eight and six years, respectively. 

Next Steps – Keep the Pressure on Your  Senators!