Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION TAX ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - August 04, 2007)

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Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, imagine Republicans today saying that they don't trust local government and local decision-making. As a former mayor, let me tell you, that is where much of the great creativity and innovation takes place, in America's cities and town halls.

There is an opportunity here to experiment. This is using a Republican argument. What might work well in Arizona might not work well in Connecticut, or vice versa. This is an opportunity to hear from the mayors of America, to hear from the town halls, to hear from legislative leaders and Governors. They are the people every day who make important decisions.

Are Republicans saying at this moment they have contempt or mistrust of local decision-making? That has been almost the phrase that they have adopted for the last 25 years: ``turn decision-making back to local government.'' There are different regional problems that demand different regional solutions, and this offers the opportunity.

Lastly, our friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, said it was good for the blogosphere. One thing we know about Republicans, if they thought they could drill for oil in the blogosphere, they would give it a go.

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Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support an energy bill that puts our country on a greener energy path. The tax provisions will expedite the adoption of green energy from solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal and other environmentally friendly sources.

The $16 billion energy tax package helps energy stakeholders and communities to invest in renewable sources as well as energy conservation and efficiency.

One of the new and more progressive tax provisions is an energy conservation bond program which helps municipalities finance conservation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Massachusetts stands to receive over $76 million through this program and since the largest cities and counties are given priority in this program, Springfield, Massachusetts, would be eligible for $1.8 million in bonding authority helping to lead the way to a greener Massachusetts.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation takes an innovative approach to new technologies and ideas to promote greener energy. The incentives are not narrowly focused on energy industry players alone. Consumers are also given incentives to make energy-efficient investments in their homes and properties, which represents a holistic approach to lessening our reliance on fossil fuels and towards a greener, cleaner America.

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