Energy plan fuels
Schwartz’s hopes

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz likes the new direction Congress seems to be taking in regard to energy policy.
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee crafted the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007.
The act provides $16 billion in tax reductions and incentives aimed at increasing renewable energy production and expanding energy conservation efforts. It is paid for by repealing tax breaks to the oil and gas industry and by closing loopholes that benefit the industry.
Schwartz (D-13th dist.), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, said the legislation pushed by the Democratic-controlled committee represents a "dramatic new direction" for U.S. energy policy. It is meant to promote conservation and limit America’s dependence on foreign oil.
"We’re really very clear about that," Schwartz said in a conference call with reporters.
The tax plan is expected to be included in a larger proposal that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will introduce next week.
Schwartz said Pennsylvania would benefit as part of the committee package, which establishes tax credit bonds for programs and initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan includes a provision that will allow states to offer grants and low-interest loans to families for energy-efficient improvements to their homes.
Pennsylvania is estimated to receive $245 million under the provision.
Schwartz said the money could also be used to improve the efficiency of public buildings; purchase hybrid buses for school districts and public transit agencies to reduce pollution; create recreational paths and open space; and offer loans to small businesses to make energy-efficient improvements.
"There are a lot of good uses it could be put to," she said.
The committee plan also extends tax deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings for five years; closes a loophole for tax write-offs for people who purchase luxury SUVs that weigh more than 6,000 pounds; and provides a tax credit for the production of efficient dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators and dehumidifiers. ••