"This legislation is nothing short of historic," Tucson lawmaker says.
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ solar legislation achieved a significant milestone today when the House of Representatives passed The Energy Independence and Security Act, sweeping legislation that puts America on the road to energy independence and takes serious steps to address global warming.
“Harnessing the sun’s power offers us one of the best solutions to the great energy challenges confronting our country at this critical time,” said Giffords, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “It will help us create a clean, independent energy future.”
The act passed the House of Representatives today in a 235-181 vote.
A key element of the comprehensive bill was tax legislation authored by Giffords that will help solar energy become more affordable for homeowners and businesses. These tax credits will spur innovation and investment that is vital to the creation of a reliable market for solar technology in Arizona and across the country. The act also authorizes research and development in utility-scale solar production, and programs to help train a qualified workforce to install and maintain cutting-edge solar technologies across the country.
Giffords’ leading role in promoting solar energy in Congress is directly connected to the work of her Solar Energy Advisory Council, a group of solar industry experts, academics and business owners. In its report, “Solar Energy in Southern Arizona,” the council recommended extending the 30 percent investment tax credit through 2016 and removing the limitation that prevents public utilities from claiming the investment tax credit.
The Energy Independence and Security Act embraces those recommendations, and extends the credit for residential solar property through 2014. It also calls for the studying of methods to integrate solar power into regional electricity transmission systems and $9 billion in long-term tax incentives aimed at spurring the production of electricity from wind, geothermal, landfill gas, trash combustion, and other renewable resources.
In addition to its commitment to renewable energy, the act increases the average efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 and improves the energy efficiency of appliances, lighting and buildings.
“This legislation is nothing short of historic,” Giffords said. “It will increase American energy independence, strengthen national security, lower energy costs, grow our economy, and help address global climate warming.
The act is supported by numerous business, environmental and government organizations. They include the American Solar Energy Association, Solar Energy Industries Association, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Information Technology Industry Council, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, American Farm Bureau, United Auto Workers, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities.
The complete text of the act can be found online at http://www.thomas.gov/. Information on Giffords’ commitment to solar energy can be found by clicking on the sun on the congresswoman’s website, http://giffords.house.gov/.