June 10, 2008

The Washington Post just moments ago reported that the Senate failed again to extend vital Federal Tax Incentives for the green energy sector. Federal ITC measures will expire at the end of the year without further action.

Washington Post: By H. JOSEF HEBERT The Associated Press Tuesday, June 10, 2008; 12:42 PM:

Democrats failed to get Republican support for a proposal to extend tax breaks for wind, solar and other alternative energy development, and for the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. The tax breaks have either expired or are scheduled to end this year.

The tax provisions were included in a broader $50 billion tax measure blocked by a GOP filibuster threat. A vote to take up the measure was 50-44, short of the 60 votes needed.

California Solar Energy Industries responded immediately. From their email:

Regrettably, on a vote of 50-44 the U.S.Senate failed to invoke cloture on HR 6049, the bill that proposes extension of the Federal tax credits for commercial and residential customers. This occurred about 15 minutes ago.
SEIA will undoubtedly be working hard on a strategy for achieving enactment of an extension – we'll keep you posted on the next steps and share information as it becomes available.

Word on the street is that the Senate could vote as early as today on the critically needed Federal Tax Incentives for the "green" energy sector.

Industry organizations have been rallying to insure constituents contact representatives to insure this industry saving legislature is put in place.

From Solar Nation yesterday afternoon:

More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
Republican senators may hold the keys to our solar future!

Now that both parties in Congress have allowed political wrangling of the pettiest kind to kill the climate change bill for this year, we might hope a sense of shame would drive them to pass that other bill that's been killed and resurrected many times already this year – the clean energy tax credit extension package.

For even as the torn-up pieces of the former bill were fluttering to the floor last week, Senate Majority Leader Reid filed a motion to restart debate on the tax credits bill(HR6049).What's different this time around? Well, this time the Senate really is 'open for business'. Senate Finance Committee chairman Baucus is canvassing Republican senators to find out their price: what they want to see in the bill in return for their support at roll-call time.

From VoteSolar.org Monday as well:

We are nearing the finish line, seriously this time. Our Senators will be voting early this week on H.R. 6049, which includes an eight year extension of the commercial solar ITC, and a six year extension of the residential ITC. This is likely our last chance this year for a long-term extension of this crucial tax credit.We know that many of you contacted your Senators just a few weeks ago during the "National Day of Action," but it is critical that they hear from you again right before the vote.