11/16/2007

KEEP CALLING

Return the Solar Tax Credits to the Energy Bill!

Senate and House Democratic Leaders are now considering a plan to leave renewable energy out of the Energy Bill.  There are widespread reports that a decision has been made, at least provisionally, to move energy legislation without a tax title that extends the Solar Investment Tax Credits (ITC).  Together, we can reverse this decision!

Please call your Representative and both Senators and ask them to urge House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) to keep the ITC extension in the Energy Bill. The Energy Bill is expected to be voted on in mid-December when Congress returns from the Thanksgiving recess.  A bill without the solar ITC provisions would be a tremendous lost opportunity for our industry and our country.

To locate your Representative and Senators’ Washington phone number, go to http://capwiz.com/re-action/callalert/index.tt?alertid=10534241&type=CO and type in your Zip Code. 

Alternatively, you can reach your Representative and Senators’ offices through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121. Better yet, call your representative or visit them in their district offices during the two-week recess Nov. 17 – Dec. 1. Local office information should be available from the Congressional websites (http://www.senate.gov/ and http://www.house.gov/).

Talking Points:

• The solar investment tax credits are critical to our nation's energy future and must be part of the energy bill this year!
• The solar tax credits would decrease energy costs, increase energy independence, and create more jobs in your district
• We need you to speak to Senator Reid / Speaker Pelosi and tell them how important it is to your constituents to keep solar tax credits in the energy bill.

What the Solar Industry Needs

• Eight-year extension of the 30% business ITC under Section 48
• Six-year extension of the 30% residential ITC under Section 25D
• Elimination of the existing $2,000 limit on the 30% residential solar ITC under Section 25D
• Permit corporate and individual taxpayers to claim the ITC against the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Elimination of the public utility exception to the ITC.

For full details on the current legislation and SEIA’s position, visit: http://seia.org/ITC_Conference_Factsheet.pdf