California Congresswoman Capps joins in to pass renewable energy tax credits legislation

Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) joined her colleagues in the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) on the floor of the House of Representatives urging the Speaker to immediately renew tax incentives for wind energy. The renewable energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides an income tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a renewable energy source, including wind, and has been a key factor in the expansion of clean energy over the last decade.Unfortunately, the PTC is set to expire on December 31st of this year without Congressional action. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted the importance of extending the PTC to ensure growth in wind energy production and manufacturing.

Florida House passes energy bill

After three years attempting to pass a renewable-energy package, the Florida House overwhelming backed the energy plan that has been ushered through the Capitol by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

HB 7117, which passed 113-1 with bipartisan support on Monday, is designed to expand renewable-energy production tax credits, allow local governments to use discretionary sales tax revenue to assist homeowners who make energy-efficiency improvements, and reduce the state’s dependence on natural gas that is pumped into Florida along two pipelines from the Gulf Coast. 

“Florida’s House of Representatives sent a clear message today that Florida is ready to diversify its energy portfolio, expand energy production and create much-needed jobs for Floridians,” Putnam said. 

U.S. Senator Bingaman pushes to renew renewable energy tax credits

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is trying to get the renewable energy tax credits renewed as part of the payroll tax cut bill.

He also wants the energy efficiency incentives for homeowners renewed which expired at the end of 2011.

In an editorial on The Hill, Bingaman says:

On Renewable Energy tax credits: