Renewable Energy in 2011

How can you do your part to keep renewable energy and jobs growing in 2011?

President Obama’s administration is faced with one of the most important decisions regarding clean energy in years.  Congress is currently hashing out whether or not to extend the Treasury Grant Program (TGP) in 2011 as part of the tax legislation compromise.  What is the Treasury Grant Program (TGP)?  According to Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the TGP “allows the owner of commercial solar [or other renewable energy] property to receive a 30 percent grant, in lieu of taking the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).”  Solar power, specifically solar power jobs jumped during 2010 more than doubling from the previous year and this growth is expected to more than double again in 2011 if the 1603 tax credit is extended.

If this critical program is not extended as part of the federal tax legislation, the growth within the solar power industry will flat-line or even decrease.  The wind industry is also at risk of losing momentum if the program is not extended.

How can you help to keep renewable energy top of mind for our legislative representatives?  Sign this petition.