Thunder along the Potomac
Tuesday’s election results bode well for renewable energy and green building advocates.
The change in control of the House and Senate to the Democrats bodes well for renewable energy and green building advocates. We can expect to see the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which sunsets at the end of 2007, extended for another three years at least, with expanded tax credits and deductions for solar and wind power systems and for energy conservation in buildings. We can also expect to see expanded Federal attention to upgrading the energy efficiency of buildings, most likely through regulation. There may also be tax credits for green roofs and other more expensive, but environmentally preferable, measures. However, with the Democrats announced “pay as you go” approach to tax law changes, there will be a fight to reduce current incentives and tax benefits for the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries. Expect also a strong battle to increase fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, with the domestic auto industry fighting this every step of the way, supported, as in the past, by Democratic lawmakers from the Midwest. Increased support for mass transit is also a likely outcome of the change in Congressional control.
Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/09/2006 at 11:00 AM
Next entry: 94 percent of Americans want to work in healthy, energy-efficient buildings
Previous entry: "Houston, we have a problem"
Subscribe via RSS
Subscribe via Email