Both the Solar Energy Industries Association and the American Wind Energy Association, the industry’s main trade groups in Washington, didn’t directly answer when asked if they planned to seek another extension of the credit. But they appear to be leaving the door open.
“As lawmakers in both parties evaluate the best way to address climate change, more solar energy is a must, and smart tax policies such as the ITC have proven to be successful,” Abigail Ross Hopper, president and chief executive officer of the solar industries trade group, said in a statement.
The wind and solar industries may also decide to throw their weight behind other tax tweaks that could have more impact and are more likely to garner Republican support, such as the creation of a new tax credit for energy storage. Other options include “technology neutral” tax credits that increase in value based on how little carbon dioxide emissions an energy source produces.
“As members of Congress push for long-term tax credits, AWEA is encouraging a widely applicable, transferable technology-neutral tax credit based on carbon emissions,” said Bree Raum, the wind energy group’s vice president of federal affairs.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.