Welch calls on Congress to invest in Vermont’s growing clean energy economy PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 09 July 2010 01:25

During a tour of green energy businesses in Northwestern Vermont, Rep. Peter Welch on Friday called for the passage of legislation he has sponsored to bolster Vermont's growing renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Speaking at Draker Labs in Burlington, Welch outlined his support for three bills, which together would eliminate subsidies for big oil companies, expand tax incentives for renewable energy businesses and launch an energy efficiency revolution.

"The environmental and economic tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico is just the latest reminder that our nation's energy policy is broken. At the same time that oil spews into the Gulf, China and India are taking the lead in creating green jobs, American families are spending too much on their energy bills, and our national security is being compromised," Welch said. "Diverting oil subsidies to clean energy industries will create quality jobs throughout the country. As a leader in the clean energy economy, Vermont is well-positioned to take advantage of a 21st century energy policy."

Welch's remarks came during the start of a summer-long, clean energy tour, during which he will visit many of Vermont's growing clean energy businesses. In addition to Draker Labs, which produces diagnostic and analytic systems for solar and wind installations, Welch on Friday visited Kaytec, Inc., a Richford-based manufacturer of insulated vinyl siding. Kaytec is one of many Vermont businesses that will benefit from Welch's Home Star legislation.

Addressing employees of Draker Labs, Welch called on Congress to pass three bills that would realign the nation's energy priorities:

  • The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (H.R. 5019) would create 170,000 jobs in manufacturing, construction and retail; save homeowners $10 billion on their energy bills over ten years; and reduce harmful carbon emissions. Written by Welch, the Home Star bill passed the House in May and is beginning to move in the Senate.
  • The Renewable Energy Expansion Act (H.R. 4599) would extend key tax incentives for renewable energy sources – including solar, wind, biomass and geothermal – for two years. Originally created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these tax incentives, which are due to expire at the end of this year, have been instrumental in growing the renewable energy sector even during the ongoing economic downturn.
  • The End Big Oil Subsidies Act (H.R. 5644) would eliminate $35 billion in tax breaks for the oil industry. In 2007, the top five oil companies alone made more than $123 billion in profits, while accepting billions in taxpayer handouts. H.R. 5644 was introduced in the House after top oil executives testified in front of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which Welch serves.




 
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