May 2012 Energy Efficiency Policy Update: Tax Extenders, Lighting Standards and Shaheen-Portman

Date: May 30, 2012

Author(s):

Tax Extenders

On May 10, the New Energy Efficient Home Tax Extender Support Letter and the Appliance Credit Extension Letter were submitted to the leaders of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures as part of the official record for the hearing on tax extenders.
Letters in support of the Non-Business Energy Property Credit (25C) Letter and the Mass Transit Commuter Tax Benefit (132(f)) Letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means are currently being circulated for signatures.

It has been reported that Representative Mike Burgess (R-Texas) will once again offer an amendment to limit funding for enforcement/implementation of lighting efficiency standards as part of the FY 2013 House Energy and Water Appropriations bill.
Stakeholders are circulating the following coalition letter urging the House of Representatives to oppose any effort that repeals/limits funding for enforcement and implementation of the lighting efficiency standards.
An advocacy alert was sent out to our E-Advocates urging stakeholders to contact their Representative to oppose any harmful legislation to the existing lighting standards.

During the week of May 21, a stakeholder letter was sent to Senate Leadership urging them to schedule a vote on the Energy Savings & Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 1000, “Shaheen-Portman” bill) at the earliest possible date.
On the other side of the Capitol, advocates continue their ongoing efforts to secure additional cosponsors on the Smart Energy Act (H.R. 4017), which is modeled after the Shaheen-Portman bill.