The Oil Drum

Amazing. (link to article) (Previously discussed at TOD here.)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Tuesday blocked debate of a bill to offer about $17.7 billion in tax incentives for consumers to build renewable energy sources like windmills and solar arrays, and buy plug-in cars that run on electricity rather than gasoline.

The Energy Independence and Tax Relief Act of 2008 would have extended a tax credit to build windmills by one year through December 31, 2009, and extend for three years similar credits for renewable energy sources like biomass, geothermal, landfill gas and trash combustion.

The Senate today rejected the part of House bill H.R. 6049 that would have extended the renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits that would otherwise expire at the end of this year. (Vote lists under the fold).

However, this is NOT the LAST potential opportunity for this Congress to extend the renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits which will otherwise expire at the end of 2008. More under the fold.

The outcome of a political stalemate in Congress will determine if renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits will be extended or will expire at the end of this year. The vote on this bill will be as soon as tomorrow and as we are hearing, it actually is in danger of not passing. We encourage you to contact your congressperson regarding your feelings on H.R. 5984. Find your member's information at http://www.house.gov.

Just an update: http://bartlett.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=90703

Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett, joined by 34 House colleagues, today introduced a bipartisan companion to S. 2821, the bipartisan Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008. S. 2821 was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Ensign (R-NV) and has 43 cosponsors. S. 2821 was included as an amendment to The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 which was approved by a vote of 88-8. House leaders stripped that provision from the bill when it was considered in the House.

We discussed S. 2821 and Bartlett's Peak Oil Special Order in detail earlier in the week here. Make sure to call your senators and representatives if you are in support of this legislation. Look up your representatives' contact info at http://www.house.gov and http://senate.gov .

I urge my colleagues to join me to support four better solutions:

1. A SMART GREEN SHOWCASE hosted by the SMART Organization in conjunction with me on July 18, 2008 in Frederick, Maryland will offer SMART ENERGY SOLUTIONS for homeowners and small business owners: practical ways you can use less energy, save money, and help our country transition to domestic, cleaner and renewable energy sources. The conference will provide educational and networking opportunities for home owners and representatives of large and small businesses, academic and non-profit organizations. For more information, go to: http://www.smartgreenconference.com

2. Next week, I will be introducing the companion House legislation to S. 2821, the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008. It is sponsored by Sen Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] and was introduced on April 3, 2008 with lead Republican cosponsor, Sen. Ensign, John [NV]. It currently has 43 Cosponsors. [ED Note: If you wish to see more of the legislation, co-sponsors, etc., go to THOMAS (Library of Congress), type in S. 2821 or any of the bill numbers below.]

Two other pending bills that I recommend looking at are:

3. My Self-powered Farm Bill: H.R. 80 and
4. the DRIVE Act, H.R. 670

To help solve America’s energy problems, we need to reduce our country’s dependence upon oil to grow our food and for transportation. These two bills would provide incentives to reduce the dependence of our farmers and our businesses and commuters on oil.

We need your help in calling your congresspersons and helping us get this legislation moving. More detail under the fold.