U.S. Senate to Decide on Solar Energy Incentives

SEIA Calls for Your Help!

With the House of Representatives' passage of the Energy Bill, and the bill now moved on to the Senate, many of the bill's specific provisions have yet to be finalized -- particularly language regarding renewable energy. Once the Senate constructs its version of the Energy Bill, the bill moves on to the combined House and Senate conference committee.

Now is the time to make certain that positive renewable energy provisions are solidly in place. Take Action!

The Senate Energy Bill is scheduled to be introduced on the floor on June 13th. The Senate Finance Committee's markup of the tax package will take place while the energy bill is on the Senate floor. Although we have developed broad-based support on the Finance Committee for a five-year, 30% investment tax credit window for residential and commercial solar, its ultimate inclusion in the tax title is still uncertain. This is crunch time and we need your help. It is extremely important that the Senate Finance Committee hear from your company that you support this solar provision. Below, please find a new letter for you to send to the Finance Committee. If you have received similar alerts from us in the past, please use this new letter. Thank You!

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) encourages you to fax your state's Senator on the Senate Finance Committee list below, or if your Senator is not listed, please fax Senators Grassley and Baucus, also listed below.

We encourage all solar companies and renewable energy stakeholders throughout the country to fax letters of support to their senators. If your senator is not listed, please fax a letter to Senators Grassley and Baucus. Below please find the sample letter. However, note that if an office receives a form letter, they will simply file it away. To guarantee that your letter is read and given weight:

1. Write on your personal or business letterhead, if possible.
2. Make sure to sign your name over your typed signature at the end of your message.
3. Explain how the legislation would benefit your business or organization.
4. Feel free to provide a history of the company and what you do.

Please CC SEIA on faxed letters at (202) 682-0559.

	The Honorable ___________________
	United States Senate
	OFFICE LOCATION
	Washington, DC  20510
	
	ATTN: Finance LA
	
	Dear Senator _______________________,
	
	As an employee of (your company), based in (your location), I ask you to support
	strong solar tax provisions in the tax title of the Energy Bill. Specifically,
	I request your support for a five-year, 30% investment tax credit for solar
	equipment for both businesses and homeowners.  For businesses the credit would
	be a temporary increase, and expansion on the applicability, of an existing
	permanent 10% credit for qualifying property placed in service after December
	31, 2005 and before January 1, 2011.  For homeowners this would be the first
	federal tax credit in 23 years.  Your leadership on solar energy is critically
	important to our company and to the future of our country.
	
	(Insert paragraph about your company)
	
	The next ten years will be critical for solar power development, and for our
	nation's energy security.  A strong US solar industry will spur manufacturing
	investments in small businesses and create tens of thousands of quality solar
	industry jobs.  Moreover, these incentives will make solar the economic choice
	for millions of Americans in every part of the country.
	
	I applaud your leadership to make America a world leader in solar energy
	development.  As Congress works to pass comprehensive energy legislation, I urge
	you to continue your efforts and ensure that the solar provisions are enacted
	this year.
	
	Sincerely,
	(your name)
	

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