Briefing Speakers (l-r): Deborah Estes, Scott Sklar, Steve Nadel, and Jeff Genzer
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
Reviewing FY 2009 Budget Request and Key Tax Incentives
Thursday, February 14, 2008
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
1334 Longworth House Office Building
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the House Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Caucus invite you to a briefing addressing the impacts of the President’s FY 2009 budget on energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) programs, including impacts upon states and low-income consumers. In addition, the urgent need to extend Federal tax incentives for EE/RE will be discussed. Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are critical elements of a national energy policy that will meet the nation’s goals of reducing energy imports, moderating energy prices, and improving the economy, national security, the environment and public health.
The President's FY 2009 budget request for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) EE/RE programs is $1.26 billion--essentially flat with the Administration’s FY 2008 budget request and 27 percent below FY 2008 appropriations. Given the volume of voices and concerns about energy security, the huge bills residential and business consumers face, loss of economic competitiveness, environmental degradation, and rising greenhouse gas emissions, the funding priorities reflected in the President’s FY 09 budget appear in conflict with his goals of expanding renewable energy development and making the economy more energy efficient. With dramatically rising energy prices for homes, businesses and drivers, states are concerned by the proposed zeroing out of the Weatherization Assistance Program Grants.
In signing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, P.L. 110-140) on December 19, 2007, President Bush said EISA makes "a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure." However, not included in EISA were a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) and an extension of renewable energy and energy efficiency tax incentives. A new economic study by Navigant Consulting finds that over 116,000 US jobs and nearly $19 billion in U.S. investment could be lost in just one year if renewable energy tax credits are not renewed by Congress. The briefing panel includes:
- Deborah Estes, Majority Counsel, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee EE/RE Authorizations in EISA Handout (pdf)
- Scott Sklar, President, The Stella Group; Chair, Sustainable Energy Coalition Steering Committee Presentation (pdf)
- Steven Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy Presentation (pdf)
- Jeff Genzer, General Counsel, National Association of State Energy Officials; Duncan Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke Remarks (pdf)
Audio recording of briefing and Q&A
See EESI's FY 2009 DOE Budget Analysis regarding requested funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy
National Hydropower Association FY09 Budget Press Release
Materials from State Energy Activities: Innovative Solutions and Funding Issues Briefing
This briefing is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. Please forward this notice. For more information, contact Fred Beck at fbeck@eesi.org or 202-662-1892.
Print Version
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