House Passes Stimulus Package

The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed by a vote of 244 to 188 the economic recovery bill proposed by the Obama administration and Democratic Congressional leaders.

The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” includes at least $37.9 billion for energy efficiency, $27.8 billion for renewable energy and $14.6 billion for public transit and clean transportation, for a total of $80 billion in clean energy funding. 

The level of transportation spending was increase by $3 billion from the initial proposal, following an amendment introduced by  Representative Nadler (D-NY). 

Environmental groups applauded members of Congress who voted for the package.

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“With this economic recovery package, Congress took the first step down the road to a new clean energy economy for America,” said Environment America Washington D.C. Office Director Anna Aurilio. “This bill will deliver more secure energy in the long term; less global warming pollution; fewer asthma attacks from air pollution; more clean lakes and rivers for drinking water, swimming and fishing, and more good jobs right here at home.”

In addition to extending clean energy tax credits for three years, the bill makes an adjustment to the renewable energy production tax credits that Environment America estimates will create or sustain 254,000 quality jobs such as in engineering, installation, construction and maintenance.  The bill allows new or struggling renewable energy companies with no profit or tax liability to apply to the Department of Energy for grants in place of the tax credits they cannot use.

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