Re: Senate approves bill with energy trade-offs

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed an important energy bill, H.R. 6049, which included extensions of the renewable energy tax credits for up to 8 more years. These tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year and if this comes to pass, the solar and wind energy industries would falter. The bill contains various incentives for other energy sources as well, including clean coal. And, there are incentives for energy conservation, such as increased insulation in houses, both new and old and for home owners who install ground source heat pumps.

Here’s a link to a summary of the bill (PDF warning).

Here’s a press release from the Solar Energy Industries Association about the bill.

The bill originated in the House and must be again voted on there. The vote may be taken this week, hopefully before Congress goes on recess to campaign for the elections.

E. Swanson