Aug. 16, 2008 — Gov. John deJongh Jr. and the National Governors Association (NGA) have urged Congress to extend for at least five years tax provisions that encourage the development of renewable energy sources and promote energy efficiency.
"Renewable energy plays an important role in the overall energy security of our nation. My fellow governors and I are in the process of developing a wide array of innovative energy policies," deJongh said in a statement released Saturday.
DeJongh and 50 U.S. governors signed on to a letter encouraging Congress to continue to develop incentives for programs that help families and businesses use energy-efficient building techniques, materials and equipment readily available in today’s market.
. In addition to the individual efforts of each state, governors are supporting the development of federal tax incentives including clean renewable energy bonds, to promote, clean, secure and affordable energy to fuel America’s future.
The governors pointed out that securing the energy future must be a priority at both the state and federal levels. "We strongly urge you to partner with the states by passing legislation on a bi-partisan basis to extend expiring renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits that can be enacted this year," the governors stated in the letter.
Last February, the NGA leadership wrote the leaders of Congress’ tax writing committees to urge enactment of legislation containing these provisions. Since that time, however, efforts to advance them have fallen short. "Extending these credits is critical, and action must be taken as soon as possible," the governors' letter stated.
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