US: August 1, 2008


WASHINGTON - US legislation extending renewable energy and energy-efficiency tax credits failed a key procedural vote Wednesday and lawmakers will now set the bill aside, at least temporarily.


The extensive tax package includes measures providing an eight-year extension of solar energy investment credits, and a one-year extension of tax credits for biodiesel, renewable diesel and wind power.

The bill required 60 "yes" votes in the 100-member Senate to move forward, but received only 51, with 43 opposed.

Lawmakers who support the legislation introduced by Sen. Max Baucus say the package is necessary to support investment in the US renewable energy industry. The renewable energy industry says the delays are causing uncertainty in the industry and jeopardizing new projects.

"This is just one piece of the puzzle," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "But it is an important piece -- and one that can make a difference in energy prices immediately."

The package also authorizes US$2 billion in clean energy bonds to help finance facilities generating electricity from renewable energy.

In addition to the energy measures, the tax package would also add US$8 billion to the Highway Trust Fund, renew the research and development tax credit for businesses, and also raise the income level at which Americans must pay the Alternative Minimum tax.

Although the tax legislation stalled Wednesday, it is not dead. The bill can be brought to a vote again, and Reid said he is open to negotiating with Republicans to get the bill passed.

Republican leaders expressed support for the tax package, but said they wanted to focus on passing legislation that would increase domestic oil production.

Separately, lawmakers remain locked in a stalemate over the passage of a bill aimed at reining excessive speculation.

Early on Wednesday, an aide said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell had accepted an offer from Reid to move forward on the speculation legislation, but a spokesperson for Reid rebuffed these claims saying the Republican "overtures about a 'deal' are disingenuous at best."

Reid said Tuesday that if Republicans blocked the tax package, he would cut off negotiations over speculation bill.

Republicans are pushing to add amendments to the speculation legislation that would lift bans on drilling offshore and develop vast oil shale fields in the West.

Democrats oppose opening restricted areas for production, and instead want the oil industry to use land already available. They also support selling oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Marguerita Choy)


Story by Ayesha Rascoe


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE