Rep. Shuler Votes for Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act

Press Release

Rep. Shuler Votes for Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act

Continues Efforts to Provide Tax Relief and End Dependence on Petroleum

Representative Heath Shuler continued working to invest in clean, renewable energy sources to create jobs and end America's dependence on petroleum today by supporting the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act. The legislation, which passed the House with bipartisan support, also provides important tax relief to middle class families.

"After years without a real national energy policy, our nation is now facing a very serious energy crisis. By meeting this challenge with investments in clean and renewable energy sources we can end our reliance on petroleum and create thousands of good-paying jobs in Western North Carolina," said Rep. Shuler. "The economy of the 21st Century demands that America be energy independent and the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act takes another step toward that goal."

The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act extends and expands tax incentives that encourage investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, and carbon capture and sequestration programs. The failure to extend these tax incentives could have resulted in the loss of over 100,000 jobs in the solar and wind energy industries through the end of 2009.

Today's legislation also provided tax relief to millions of hardworking American
families, including an expansion of the $1,000 refundable child tax credit and allowing more homeowners to deduct up to $700 of their local property taxes from their federal income taxes.

"Many American families are struggling right now, and this legislation provides them with tax relief in a fiscally responsible manner," Rep. Shuler said.
The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act is paid for by closing loopholes that allow corporations evade taxes by shipping jobs and investment overseas, so it does not add to the nation's debt.

Source