February 5, 2008. We Need Your Voice!

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Tell Your Senators We Want Action on Energy Incentives!

February 7, 2008. Last night the Senate failed by one vote to end a filibuster by a small group of Senators who have prevented consideration of the economic stimulus package by the entire Senate. This means that the economic stimulus package, along with homeowner energy incentives, are being blocked from further action. However today Senate leaders have indicated that they will try again in coming days to get these measures to the Senate floor. Get involved in this process by contacting your Senator and telling him or her what you think.

Specifically there are seven Senators that are critical to this action: they are Senators Gregg, Sununu, Coleman, McCain, Allard, Martinez, and Burr. Particularly if you live in New Hampshire, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, or North Carolina let your Senator know that you feel he should support the Vote of Cloture that will allow consideration of the Senate Economic Stimulus package.

Upon passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 President George W. Bush declared that:"...one day all Americans will look back on this bill as a vital step toward a more secure and prosperous nation that is less dependent on foreign sources of energy."

The 2005 EPAct encouraged investment in energy saving measures such as exterior windows, insulation, central heating and cooling, and high efficiency water heaters with individual Federal tax incentives of up to $500. Despite vigorous bi-partisan efforts most Federal tax incentives for homeowners were stripped from the 2007 Energy Bill in the closing days of the December legislative session.

The Energy Bill passed in December 2007 was a great indicator that initiatives to become more energy efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are very important to Americans. This interest will carry over into 2008, and there is still bi-partisan support to help American homeowners take initiatives to become more energy efficient as well. The political debate in 2008 will also keep attention on the issue of energy independence.

Although the $300 tax credit was not extended into 2008, we have already heard that there are efforts being made to create additional tax incentives and credits. The first-ever Energy Star category for residential water heating is set to commence in September. All combined, we are very optimistic about the possibility of tax credits moving forward.