November 2010 Archives

Can tax credits, grant programs, and other federal initiatives sustain renewable energy development absent major legislation like a renewable electricity standard?

If the 111th Congress takes up any type of energy legislation during its lame-duck session, it will be financial incentives tucked away in an omnibus tax extenders bill. About $7 billion in tax credits and grants for energy from solar, wind, geothermal, and ethanol are set to expire at the end of this year. Renewable and environmental groups are lobbying hard to get Congress to extend them, saying that if incentives aren't renewed, their nascent sectors will grind to a halt.

If the credits aren't renewed by the end of this year, they'll likely hit steep opposition in the coming Congress, with its aggressive focus on slashing federal spending.

Even if they are extended, will the tax breaks be enough to spur renewable energy development given the bleak political landscape for a renewable electricity standard and a price on greenhouse gas emissions? Should Congress focus instead on promoting low-pollution forms of more traditional energy sources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, and clean coal technology?

13 responses: Paul Sullivan, Michael McAdams, Bill Dickenson, Gary Fazzino, Rhone Resch, Anna Aurilio, Don Furman, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Joel Velasco, Richard Revesz, Karl Gawell, Denise Bode, William O'Keefe

What should Congress try to do on climate and energy policy during the lame-duck session of the 111th Congress, which starts this week?

Lawmakers from both parties have a long wish list, including passing a renewable electricity standard and a bill promoting electric and natural gas vehicles; revamping offshore drilling rules; renewing expiring ethanol subsidies; and delaying EPA's carbon emissions regulations. But how much (or how little) will be accomplished on these issues depends largely on the other agenda items the Democratic leadership will prioritize and how long the session lasts, both of which are unclear right now.

What should be at the top of the agenda next week and throughout December? Will the coming shift in the political landscape compel Democrats to make a last-ditch push for a lame-duck energy bill?

15 responses: Amy Harder, Thomas J. Pyle, Bruce Pasfield, Denise Bode, Bill Meadows, Don Furman, Joel Velasco, Amy Harder, Paul Sullivan, Paul Sullivan, Bob Dinneen, Brent Erickson, Tom Buis, William O'Keefe, Jeff Holmstead

Is energy policy an area where President Obama and both chambers of Congress can find common ground?

Obama thinks so. In a press conference the day after the midterm elections, where Republicans took the House and gained six seats in the Senate, Obama said Republicans and Democrats agree on energy issues like electric cars, natural gas, and nuclear power. He didn't mention that legislation promoting those policies has run into dead ends when the parties can't agree on a way to pay for them.

What areas of energy policy do you think both chambers of Congress and the administration can coalesce around? Do you agree with Obama, or do you have other suggestions for other energy policy areas where both parties could find consensus? Will incremental legislation help the country move toward the president's goal of cutting carbon emissions at all? Or absent a comprehensive approach, will anything be enough?

22 responses: Teryn Norris, Kateri Callahan, Thomas J. Pyle, David Parker, Phyllis Cuttino, Rhone Resch, Frank M. Stewart, Joel Velasco, Paul N. Cicio, Jeff Anderson, Tom Amontree, Jacqueline Savitz, Karl Gawell, Bernard L. Weinstein, Brent Erickson, Mark Muro, Daniel J. Weiss, Robert J. Shapiro, Bob Dinneen, Brian Wynne, William O'Keefe, Bill Snape

With Election Day upon us, what are the stakes for energy and environment policy?

Several leadership positions on key energy committees could be up for grabs next Congress, while California's Prop 23 debate has flung climate policy into the national spotlight this election cycle. As speculation and prediction turn to reaction and analysis, the implications for energy and climate legislation in the 112th Congress will become clearer.

What are the immediate upshots of Election Day? Before the results come in: What are your predictions? And afterward: What are your initial reactions? Will Congress be able to pass some type of energy bill during the lame-duck session?

12 responses: Joel Velasco, Peter Lehner, Jonathan Wootliff, Michael Brune, Bob Bendick, Margo Thorning, Andrew Wheeler, Charles Drevna, Bill Snape, Jon A. Anda, Michael Brune, William O'Keefe