[Greenbuilding] [POLITICAL] Support S. 590 extending solar and renewable tax credits

[Lawrence Lile]

Below is a forwarded appeal for support for a bill extending the Solar
and Renewable energy tax credits.  We've got bipartisan support and a
Democratic Congress primed to support this legislation.  This is a
much-needed shot in the arm for Solar and renewable power.  The EPACT
tax credits available now will evaporate next year if we don't renew
this legislation.  Please take a minute to follow the link at the bottom
of the page and write your congressperson on this issue.  

 

 

 

Lawrence Lile, P.E., LEED AP

 

 

The most critical legislation in decades for Solar and Renewable Energy
has been introduced into the United States House of Representatives but
it needs your support to pass. 

 

The S. 590 proposes to increase the Federal Income tax credits, expand
the list of eligible products and extend the Securing America's Energy
Independence Act H.R. 550. 

 

 

 

If enacted, the new S. 590 bill will:

 

* Significantly extend the renewable energy Federal Tax Credits for
individual and commercial taxpayers - currently set to expire next year
-through the tax year of 2016! 

 

* Dramatically increase the tax credit for both residential and
commercial PV (solar electric) from 30%, capped at maximum $2,000, to
$1,500 per half-kilowatt 

 

* Eliminate the cap on residential PV (solar electric)  

 

* Add an exemption which allows consumers to take the credits against
the alternative minimum tax (AMT) 

 

* Include storage (batteries and thermal storage) in the definition of
eligible property  

 

* Shorten the depreciation recovery period for solar and fuel cell
equipment from five to three years 

 

* Apply to all systems placed in service retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007 

 

 

Purchase qualifying equipment at: shop.solardirect.com 

 

 

Immediate Action Required!

 

S.590 is being debated and voted on now - we need to act now! 

 

Send a letter urging your representatives in congress to set a new path
and co-sponsor the Securing America's Energy Independence Act!

 

More than 1,000 letters in support have already poured in, but we are
barely scratching the surface of the true support for this bill. We need
you, your co-workers, and your friends to send in even more letters to
Congress. 

 

Below is a sample letter you may use. Personalizing the letter with your
own thoughts and experiences is very effective!

 

 

 

Sample Letter 

 

I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor and support the Securing America's
Energy Independence Act (H.R. 550).

 

The US is mired in an energy crisis, becoming more dependent on foreign
sources of energy every day. Congress must take immediate steps to
reverse this trend. By co-sponsoring the Securing America's Energy
Independence Act, you will be demonstrating your leadership in energy
security.

 

The Securing America's Energy Independence Act would extend the solar
and fuel cell credits for eight years, and cap the incentives based on
system power instead of cost. This responsible, forward-looking bill
would provide the stability these industries need to make major new
investments, address our national energy crunch and create quality,
high-tech jobs.

 

The United States possesses the best solar resources in the world, and
it is time that we start putting the sun to work for all Americans. Not
only is solar energy the cleanest source of energy, but it can also help
us reduce the use of high cost natural gas used for water heaters and to
produce peak electric. A long-term investment tax credit will
significantly boost economic investment in solar and create high-paying,
quality jobs throughout our state.

 

Fuel cells for certain applications are providing early adopters with
clean, quiet and efficient power. Extension of the investment tax credit
will not only provide stability and certainty for the industry, it will
help hasten the introduction of other fuel cell applications, as
improved supply chains bring down component costs and supplier
competition spurs innovation.

 

You have an opportunity to provide leadership to the country, and send a
message that it is time to diversify our energy portfolio and help bring
an expansion of the clean energy industry here in the US, where we can
benefit from the billions of dollars of investment, thousands of jobs,
and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas savings that come with it. I
ask you to demonstrate your support for carbon-smart, increasingly
affordable and independent renewable energy by signing on to H.R. 550 as
a cosponsor.

 

Sincerely,

 

Your Name 

 

 

 

 

I'm ready to make a difference!

 

 

Send this letter to your congressperson

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

 

 

 

Please forward this letter to as many friends, family, employees or
co-workers as possible. We hope you will join us in the effort to shape
our Nation into the exemplary Renewable Energy leader we can and should
be!