Congressmen Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) has just introduced HR 4300, a bill to extend the federal tax credits for residential solar applications. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized federal tax credits to homeowners and businesses that install energy-efficient solar panels on their properties. However, these tax credits expire after 2008.

Congressmen Ferguson was joined by Congressmen Udall (D-C)), Brown (R-SC), Goode (R-VA) Sanders (Ind-VT), Simmons (R-CT), Walsh and Mark Green (R-WI) in sponsoring the Clean and Green Solar Tax Act of 2005,  extending the existing solar tax credits through 2011. 

The proposed legislation is very short (2 pages) and simply amends two subsections of section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by extending the end dates of the provisions by 4 years.  The complete text of the legislation can be found by going to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and searching for HR 4300.

DISCUSSION

The importance of HR 4300 is two-fold. FIRST, the here today/gone tomorrow nature of federal tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies confuses the marketplace. A stable, long-term tax credit program shows consumers and investors that the federal government recognizes the important role that renewable domestic energy sources will play in the future of the nation.

Research shows that the ability of tax credits to expedite the commercialization process for new technologies depends upon their being available for at least 15 years. A long-term and stable tax credit structure has served to make Germany a world leader in the development and manufacture of solar technology. The uncertain nature of U.S. renewable energy tax credits, on the other hand, has hurt U.S. companies trying to compete, both in domestic and international markets.

SECOND, it is important to show support for HR 4300 because a majority of Congress and the Administration continue to hack away at federal support of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The negative economic, environmental and political consequences of relying on fossil fuels in general and foreign oil in particular are obvious. At a time when the federal government should be stepping up efforts to reduce the nation’s energy use and bring domestically available renewable energy sources on-line, it is stepping back. 

When leadership is shown, renewable energy advocates should support those with the courage to lead. 

It is uncertain that HR 4300 can make it through the legislative gauntlet before Congress adjourns for the year. Whether or not the legislation can get through the House and Senate in time, it is still important to contact your Congressional delegates in both the House and the Senate to express your support for HR 4300 and appreciation for the efforts of Congressmen Ferguson and Udall and the other co-sponsors. 

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS

It is best to call or email your support for HR 4300. You can get the contact information for members of Congress by going to http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/. When corresponding with members of Congress consider contacting them through BOTH their Washington and district offices. 

Carolyn Beach
Membership Coordinator
American Solar Energy Society
2400 Central Ave. Suite A
Boulder, CO  80301
303-443-3130 ex 107
303-443-3130 ex 107 (phone)
303-443-3212 (FAX)
www.ases.org