South Dakota Lawmakers About to Pull Plug on Llittle-Used Renewable-Energy Tax Break

The House Taxation Committee gave its blessing Thursday to taking away a seldom-used tax break that was meant to encourage renewable energy production.

The irony was the committee’s chairman, Rep. Brock Greenfield, became a little less relevant. He shepherded the law to passage in 2002.

For Greenfield, R-Clark, the law’s original passage was a substantial victory 12 years ago. Then-Gov. Bill Janklow fought against adding tax loopholes.

Merkel Challenges EU On Renewable Energy Tax Break

On a confrontation course with Brussels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged to defend the renewable energy tax (EEG-Umlage) rebate currently benefiting energy-intensive companies in Germany.

New tax break strategy for green energy

If you can't beat Big Oil, join 'em. That's part of a pragmatic new green energy strategy that seeks tax breaks for renewable power that were once limited to fossil fuels and biofuels.

Energy experts view the effort as a realistic approach to Congress' partisan gridlock. Demands to kill all tax subsidies for oil, gas and coal are out. Attempts to extend those subsidies throughout the entire energy industry are in.