WASHINGTON (April 3, 2008) – Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) announced new legislation today that would extend tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures that have already expired or will expire at the end of this year. In addition to extending tax credits for wind, solar and biomass projects through 2009, the bill includes tax incentives for constructing energy-efficient buildings, investing in solar electric systems, installing efficient home heating and cooling equipment, manufacturing efficient home appliances, and retrofitting existing homes to save energy.

Below is a statement by Marchant Wentworth, Washington Representative of the Clean Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists:

"This bipartisan bill has a great shot to become law. Study after study has shown that extending these credits is the quickest way to reduce the threat of global warming while creating jobs, saving consumers money and increasing our energy security.

"This legislation will put us on a path toward a clean energy economy. That's why a coalition of more than 100 business, trade and advocacy groups support extending these incentives. The package will strengthen the burgeoning renewable energy industry, reduce residential and commercial energy costs, generate new domestic jobs and boost a flagging economy."

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