U.S. House Passes Renewable Energy Bill

STATEMENT BY RHONE RESCH WITH SEIA ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL, H.R. 5351

U.S. House Hits a Home Run for Solar and Other Renewable Energy; U.S. Senate is Up to Bat

"With opening day for ballplayers only 33 days away, the U.S. House of Representatives stepped up and hit a home run for consumers by passing an energy bill that shifts our economy towards production of clean, reliable, domestic renewable energy. Citizens and business leaders across the country are calling out for change and today Congress listened. This legislation is supported by hundreds of the top U.S. corporations, utilities, environmental groups, labor, and public health groups in the U.S. These leaders, including The Home Depot, Wal-Mart Stores, Best Buy Co., Target, Florida Power and Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Physicians for Social Responsibility, National Resources Defense Council, and the United Steelworkers have come together to support passage of this historic legislation.

"The incentives in this legislation will greatly expand the use of solar energy, and we estimate solar power will provide 50 percent of all new electricity generated in the U.S. within eight years. During this growth, the solar energy industry will become an economic engine, creating tens of thousands of high-tech jobs and billions in investment throughout the nation. It will also help our country achieve national energy security and save American taxpayers billions in energy costs.

"Now, the Senate is up to bat and we are cheering in the stands. It's up to Senate leaders to step up to the plate and find a workable path to pass this important bill. They must decide if they stand with the 85 percent of Americans who want clean energy and a more secure America or if they will maintain the status quo. It’s time for the Senate to listen to business leaders and the American public and pass legislation that creates a market for solar energy in the U.S."

###See Feb. 26 Coalition Letter: http://www.seia.org/HR5351StakeholdersSupportLtr.pdf

Summary of Renewable Energy Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyTaxBillSummary2-12-08.pdf

Full Text of Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyBillText2-12-08.pdf

SEIA Press Contact: Monique Hanis 202.682.0556, ext. 4202.236.8220 cell
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and marketers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.

To see how your Member of Congress voted see:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll084.xml

The Indiana Congressional Delegation voted as follows:

Voting "YES" were: Donnelly, Ellsworth, Hill and Viscloskey.

Voting "NO" were: Buyer, Burton, Pence and Souder.