Energy News
PUC Seeks Comment on Future of Energy Efficiency, Conservation Programs
The Public Utility Commission seeking comments on the future of energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) programs established under Act 129 of 2008. By a secretarial letter, the Commission requested input into future program areas as detailed on the links below.
Report: Georgia Clean Energy Property Tax Credit Generated Over $2.3M in Sales Tax Revenue
In the three years since its creation, the Georgia Clean Energy Property Tax Credit, which creates an income tax credit for a variety of energy-efficient technologies, has led to clean energy property projects that generated more than $2.3 million in sales tax revenue, according to a report released by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.
Obama Administration Proposes Corporate Tax Rate Cut to 28%, Retention of Renewable Energy Tax Credits
Last week the Obama administration called for reducing the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 35 percent, eliminating tax breaks and changing core features of the tax code such as interest deductibility. The plan, which leaves many details up to Congress, would retain tax breaks for corporate research, manufacturing and renewable energy.
Governor Signs Three Energy Bills. Marcellus Shale Fees and Regs a Reality
Gov. Tom Corbett this week signed three energy-related bills, including the long awaited natural gas impact fee bill which establishes new regulations for the expanding industry.
Senate Committee Oks Bills Dealing with Potential Gasoline Shortage in Western PA
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee unanimously reported out legislation designed to help alleviate a potential gasoline shortage in Western PA.
House Finance Committee Oks RACP Bill
The House Finance Committee this week reported out a bill that would lower the debt ceiling of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP), which provides state matching funds for economic development and infrastructure projects. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (Allegheny), House Bill 2175 reduces the state’s borrowing power for capital projects by roughly $3 billion.
Energy Programs Defended at Farm Bill Hearing
The Senate Committee on Agriculture held its first Farm Bill hearing of 2012, which focused on the benefits of energy programs in rural America, as well as strategies to addressing economic development programs for the next Farm Bill.
PUC Discusses Logistics of Shale Impact Fee Collection, Distribution
Testifying before the House Appropriations Committee, the state Public Utility Commission, noted the changes it will be experiencing due to the new Marcellus Shale law.
Governor Proposes 2012-2013 Budget Next Week; No Deal Announced Yet on Marcellus
The state legislature’s “Budget season” officially starts with the Governor’s budget address on February 7. The state still faces difficult financial times, with no easy answers in sight.
President Obama’s State of the Union Address Touts Clean Energy
President Obama called for clean energy tax credits and a clean energy standard in his annual State of the Union address on January 24. Saying, “I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy,” the president framed the issue in terms of international competition, pledging not to “cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here.” He also announced two initiatives to advance the deployment of clean energy technologies.