New Job Efforts May Include Growing Solar with Tax Credits

on Nov 19 in Related stories

Tax credits eyed for solar energy firms amid Obama’s push for ‘green jobs’
By Ben Geman
The Hill, Nov 18, 2009

Solar energy companies are lobbying for new tax credits for domestic manufacturers that would come on top of subsidies included in the $787 billion stimulus package enacted earlier this year.

The effort is unfolding alongside the Obama administration’s push to spur “green” jobs by expanding this kind of manufacturing.

For instance, the Energy Department provided a $535 million loan guarantee to a solar panel maker this year, and is also helping finance expansion of a wind turbine plant.

The administration argues the U.S. is falling behind other countries in its capability to produce such materials.

Capitol Hill Democrats, meanwhile, are vowing new jobs legislation that backers might eye as a vehicle for the new tax credits for solar panel components.

“If Congress does, because of high unemployment, pass a jobs growth bill, the manufacturing tax credit is a perfect fit,” said John Stanton, a lobbyist for the Solar Energy Industries Association.

“The sole purpose of the bill is to create new jobs,” he said.

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