3/19/2008

The Ground Water Protector Award honors people in government, industry, and the private sector for their public service efforts in conjunction with ground water conservation, protection, and use. Rep. Doggett is being recognized for his leadership in supporting tax credits for geothermal heat pumps as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly tool to help address the nation’s energy needs.

Rep. Doggett sponsored H.R. 5351, which includes a provision providing residential tax credits up to $2,000 for geothermal heat pump systems. It passed the House on Feb. 27.

Geothermal systems transfer thermal energy (heat) from the ground or ground water into the space being conditioned during the winter months, and transfers excess heat from the structure back into the ground or ground water in the summer months. Because the temperature of the ground or ground water remains fairly constant throughout the year, operating efficiencies are high year-round.

“As our country continues to work toward greater energy independence, we truly appreciate Rep. Doggett’s support of the geothermal heat pump tax credit,” said NGWA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Alan Eades. “This tax cut’s time has come, and we are grateful that Rep. Doggett is working to make this legislation a reality.”

Representative Doggett represents Texas’ 25th District, which includes several counties in central Texas. He serves on the House Budget Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.

SOURCE: National Ground Water Association