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Solar Energy and Federal Tax Incentives
By Solar energy | September 5, 2008
Federal tax incentives for alternative energy businesses expires the end of 2008. Businesses and individuals who care about the earth, fuel prices, and energy independence press for the extension of these tax incentives.
Alternative energy businesses argue no incentives necessitate reduced capital investments, expansion cuts, and job cuts.
Alternative energy customers want solar, wind, and biofuel energy costs to be more available and more affordable.
I am puzzled. Congress drags their feet on this issue while our presidential candidates praise solar, wind, and biofuels as at least part of the solution to escalating fuel cost and environmental health.
Maybe I’ve found part of the answer. According to this article there’s a gimmick at work.
It seems that by placing expiration dates on tax breaks lawmakers are able to hide our ever-increasing federal budget deficit. These tax breaks are not counted as “revenue losses” after their expiration date.
Should these tax incentives be made permanent, “trillions of dollars will be added to the federal debt.”
None of us want to add to our federal debt.
None of us want to continue depending on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Does it have to be a choice between the federal debt and clean, affordable fuel?
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Topics: Renewable Energy Politics, Renewable Energy Tax Incentives | No Comments »