Friday, October 10, 2008

Renewable Energy and Efficiency Tax Incentives Renewed

It wasn't perfect and it wasn't pretty, but the renewable energy industry got the boost from Congress we all need it to have.  The tax incentives for installing renewable energy technologies were extended as part of the $700 Billion bailout.  

Greg Wetstone, senior director of governmental and public affairs at the American Wind Energy Association, said in a statement, "We salute Members of Congress in both parties who fought under difficult conditions to keep the renewable energy production tax credit and small turbine investment tax credit on the agenda until the very end, and then pushed them across the finish line." "These tax credits are essential to the continued growth of wind energy, to the economic and energy security of the United States, and to a successful beginning in the fight against global warming," said Wetstone, as reported by the Environment News Service on October 3.

I also spoke with a representative from Solarponics who felt this was definitely a cause for celebration.  The tax incentives for the consumer will boost the ability of the middle class American to invest in renewable energy technologies.  I was told it would increase what had been a maximum of $2000 tax credit to approximately $9000.  This is a sizeable chunk of the low estimated cost for a 3 bedroom residence at $25,000.

Al Gore has lain a bold challenge before us in his speech, Repowering America, A Generational Challenge.  Our elected officials are slowly and surely moving toward making it possible.  We can all do our part to answer this challenge with a strong, loud - YES, WE CAN!

What can YOU do? Send us YOUR story. What choice did you make today to live a more sustainable life? Send your first name, last initial, general locale, and what the greentech was.  You will educate and inspire others to make the changes they can and more that they may have thought they couldn't.

Always remember: doing a little is more fulfilling than thinking that a little won't matter.