SACE Responds to Federal Tax Package
KNOXVILLE, TN. (December 17, 2010) In response to Thursday’s passage of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, which includes a dozen energy-related measures, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) released the following statement from Executive Director Dr. Stephen A. Smith:
“The $858 billion tax deal passed by Congress is a ‘mixed bag’ when it comes to the energy provisions.
“We heartily applaud the one-year extension of renewable energy grants (known as the Treasury Grant Program/Section 1603), the $1/gallon tax credit for biodiesel and biomass fuels through 2011, and tax credits for energy efficient improvements to existing and newly-manufactured homes. Each of these measures will spur job creation and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in the coming year.
“We are, however, concerned that several energy provisions were included in the final bill, such as the tax credits for corn ethanol as well as the wasteful and environmentally damaging “coal to liquids” tax subsidy. It is too early to say whether continuing subsidies for fuels like corn ethanol, a mature technology, will cancel out the positive, carbon-reducing benefits from extending renewable energy incentives.
“When the new Congress convenes in January, SACE will be a strong advocate for policies that can grow a clean energy economy: diesel emission reductions, advanced biorefineries, environmentally-friendly energy crops, increased renewable energy production, and efficiency measures. At the same time, we will adamantly oppose high-risk energy policies such as increased nuclear loan guarantees and attempts to roll-back Clean Air Act protections.” # # # Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. www.cleanenergy.org