US Congress renews solar and wind energy tax credits

As part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, Congress renewed the solar and wind tax credits. This is going to help create green jobs and a more secure energy future for the U.S.

“Renewing solar and wind tax credits will lead directly to thousands of good paying green jobs across the country, said Jack Hidary, Chairman of Americans for Clean Energy (ACE), “We are also pleased that Congress has included a tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles. Our dependence on oil continues to grow and the adoption of plug-in vehicles is critical to achieving energy independence for America”

“We mobilized thousands of members of our group using Facebook and other technologies,” said Steve Boyd, Executive Director of ACE. “Our members called in to Congress at key points over the past several months to let our representatives know how important this issue is to them.”

“By extending the solar credit for eight years, Congress has finally given the private sector the right signal - it is time to invest in renewable energy,” said Josh Becker, co-founder and Board Member of ACE, “Solar manufacturing companies, as an example, have been reluctant to build out manufacturing plants in the US without a long-term market signal. Now they have one.”

The Stabilization Act, signed into law this past week, provides for an eight year extension of the investment tax credit (ITC) for solar energy. With this eight year extension, solar manufacturers will for the first time be able to confidently invest in job creating operations in the U.S.

In addition to the solar tax credit, the package also includes a one year extension of the producer tax credit (PTC) for wind energy. Americans for Clean Energy will ask Congress to extend the wind tax credit in the next session.

Americans for Clean Energy is a bipartisan organization focused on renewable energy and clean technology. Americans for Clean Energy supports the increased adoption of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources, as well as clean transportation solutions. Americans for Clean Energy uses its Facebook group and fan page and other technologies to organize thousands of members. For more information visit www.americansforcleanenergy.org