 |
<< return to News page
Energy issues at forefront in Congress
Mar 23 2009
Energy advocates are heartened by the current national discussion around energy solutions. Energy-related issues are a key component of the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will be addressed again by Congress in upcoming energy and climate change legislation.
According to the ACEEE Grapevine Online newsletter, the $787 billion economic stimulus package contains about $80 billion in spending, loan guarantees, and tax incentives aimed at promoting energy efficiency,
renewable energy sources, and higher gas mileage for cars. Some of the highlights include: $3.1 billion for grants to states under the State Energy Program; $3.2 billion for block grants to state, local and tribal governments for energy conservation and renewable energy programs; and $5 billion for weatherization assistance. In addition, Congress modified and expanded the scope of many of the energy efficiency and renewable energy tax incentives. The legislation includes several provisions relating to these incentives, such as extending the consumer incentives through 2010 and increasing the cap on efficiency incentives from $500 to $1,500 per household.
For general information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, refer to the Alliance to Save Energy Web site.
|
|
