During their annual in Philadelphia last week, the nation's governors decided to send a letter to Congress calling for at least a 5-year extension of the renewable energy tax credit, including the clean renewable energy bonds.
The letter, signed by 51 of the nation's governors, including Govenror Douglas, encourages Congress to develop incentives for programs that help families and businesses use energy-efficient building techniques, materials and equipment. Governors also urge Congress to partner with states to pass this bipartisan legislation this year.
Letter
July 23, 2008
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable John Boehner
Minority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Senator Reid, Senator McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Representative Boehner:
The nation's governors urge Congress to extend for at least five years tax provisions that encourage the development of renewable energy sources and promote energy efficiency.
Last February, leadership of the National Governors Association wrote the leaders of Congress' tax writing committees to urge enactment of legislation containing these provisions. Since that time, however, efforts to advance them have fallen short. Extending these credits is critical and action must be taken as soon as possible.
Renewable energy plays an important role in our nation's energy security, and governors have pioneered a wide array of innovative energy policies in their states. To supplement state efforts, governors support the development of federal tax incentives, including clean renewable energy bonds, to promote clean, secure, and affordable energy to fuel America's future.
We also encourage Congress to continue to develop incentives for programs that help families and businesses use energy-efficient building techniques, materials, and equipment readily available in today's market. Extending incentives for energy efficiency and conservation will slow the growth of future energy needs, minimize ratepayer costs, and lessen potential environmental impacts.
Securing our energy future must be a priority at both the state and federal levels. We strongly urge you to partner with states by passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to extend expiring renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits that can be enacted this year.
Sincerely,
(signed by Governor Douglas, et al)