Western Governors commend US Senate for extending energy tax credits (4/10/08)

Western Governors commend US Senate for extending energy tax credits

April 10, 2008
DENVER -- Western governors commended the U.S. Senate for taking decisive action today to extend tax credits aimed at spurring investments in renewable energy resources and energy efficient building.

As part of a housing bill, the Senate adopted an amendment sponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and John Ensign of Nevada that will extend the Production Tax Credit, Solar Investment Tax Credit and other critical renewable and energy efficiency tax measures. The 88 to 8 vote in the Senate was a testament to the leadership of these two senators, as well as to the critical importance of the provisions.

We are taking steps within our states and as a region to implement and advocate for clean energy policies, said Gov. Dave Freudenthal (Wyo.), Chairman of the Western Governors' Association. We are pleased to see the Senate has recognized the importance of extending tax credits for vital renewable resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydropower.

In a letter to congressional leaders last December, the Western Governors' Association called on Congress to extend federal tax credits and to take other actions to promote domestic clean and renewable energy technologies.

We strongly believe that a clean, diverse, reliable, and affordable energy supply that moves us toward greater energy security is among the highest of our nation's priorities, the letter stated. To that end, we need coordinated action at all levels of government in order to succeed.

WGA has also promoted energy efficient building practices that would achieve a 30 percent improvement over current International Energy Conservation Codes. The Senate measure would extend tax credits for homeowners who install energy-efficient furnaces, windows and insulation. Builders would also get tax deductions for constructing energy-efficient homes.

More information on recommendations included in WGA's Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative.

The Western Governors' Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 19 states and three U.S.-Flag islands in the Pacific. Through their Association, the Western governors identify and address key policy and governance issues in natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, international relations and public management.

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