July 31, 2008: Senate Republicans Block Clean Energy Tax Credits
Due to Republican opposition, clean energy tax credit legislation lost a procedural vote yesterday, temporarily shelving the bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said negotiations on an oil speculation bill would come to a halt if Republicans did not approve the credits. Sustainable Industries reports that investment in renewable energy projects has diminished due to the uncertain future of the tax credits.
Campaign Watch: While the media continue to slam John McCain’s hit pieces on Barack Obama - calling them “baloney” and “ridiculous” - the McCain team has released another television spot. This one features Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Former longtime McCain adviser John Weaver called the ad “childish.”
On Tuesday, governors from the West Coast proposed a plan to improve ocean health that includes “opposing all new offshore oil and gas leasing, development and production” and “investigating renewable wind, wave, current and tidal energy.”
Indiana Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson announced plans for a state “Green Job Initiative.”
Google’s Dan Reicher was in Washington yesterday to talk to Congress about his plan for making America more energy efficient.
The Environment Report interviewed Thijs Westerbeek, a sustainable development expert with Radio Netherlands, about the pros and cons of offshore wind turbines.
The Anschutz Corporation acquired the rights to a 3,000 megawatt transmission project that will transport wind energy harnessed in Wyoming to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Southern California.
This year’s edition of the Princeton Review’s popular college guide will feature a new “green rating” that evaluates campus commitments to renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings.
–Christopher Greenspan
Tags: Barack Obama, clean energy tax credits, John McCain, Offshore Wind Turbines, The Princeton Review