Solar Energy Industries Association Weekly Newsletter - Feb. 25, 2008

[AlternativeEnergy.com]

Solar Energy Industries Association Weekly Newsletter - Feb. 25, 2008

1. Washington Update
2. Media Corner
3. Industry Meetings

1. Washington Update

HOUSE ACTION ON H.R. 5351 EXPECTED MID-WEEK, SENATE UP NEXT

As reported last week, SEIA has confirmed the House will take up H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax of 2008 this week. H.R. 5351 includes extension of the solar 30 percent ITC (8 years for commercial and 6 years for residential), increasing residential solar cap to $4,000 plus extension of other renewable provisions including the wind production credit, new clean renewable energy bonds, energy efficiency tax credits, renewable fuels credits, and plug-in hybrid vehicle credit.

This will be the third time the House tries to complete legislation to extend renewable energy tax credits. What differs this time around is that House leadership has expressed openness to Senate proposed pay-for’s that differ from the current House version that repeals oil and gas industry subsidies. Also, it appears House and Senate leaders have stepped up their public relations efforts promoting passage of H.R. 5351 (See Media Corner below.)

ACTION ALERT: Contact your Republican representatives in the House (not Senators nor House Democrats at this time) and ask them to vote for H.R. 5351, the extension of the solar investment tax credit. Use the SEIA support letter (dated 2.22.08) at http://www.seia.org/itc.php and send the message on your letterhead by FAX and EMAIL to your representatives. Then place a call to the Chief of Staff in your representative’s office. Again, do not contact Senators or House Dems at this time.

Summary and full text of H.R. 5351:

http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyTaxBillSummary2-12-08.pdf

http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyBillText2-12-08.pdf

SEIA PAC RELEASES 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW
The SEIA Political Action Committee (SEIA PAC) today released its 2007 Year in Review, a recap of an exciting year in which we raised more than $57,000 and greatly expanded the solar industry’s presence in Washington. We expect an active 2008. Presidential election years magnify the importance of fundraising in the political process. At fundraisers and receptions, solar should be ubiquitous and on the minds of key lawmakers. The PAC is our vehicle to accomplish this goal. View the SEIA PAC report at http://www.seia.org/getpdf.php?iid=164. To learn more about the SEIA PAC, please contact Noah Kaye at [e-mail] or at 202.682.0556, ext. 91.

JOB OPENING at SEIA - Policy and Research Analyst

The Policy and Research Analyst collects, organizes and develops industry data and materials to inform policymakers and the public about the energy, economic, labor, and environmental attributes of the solar industry. Based in Washingtion, DC, the Policy and Research Analyst reports to and works closely with both the Government Affairs and Communications Departments. Learn more at: www.seia.org/jobs
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2. Media Corner

With Aid, More Roofs Could Catch Rays, Las Vegas Sun, Feb. 24
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/feb/24/aid-more-roofs-could-ca...

Solar Industry to Play Hardball in D.C. to Get Tax Credit
CNET News.Com, Feb. 21.
http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9876030-54.html?tag=nefd.top

U.S. Representatives Pelosi, Hoyer and Rangel Statement on Energy Tax Legislation Coming to the House Floor:
Office of U.S. Representative Pelosi, Feb. 21.
http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/releases/Feb08/energy-tax.html

Spain’s Abengoa to Build 280-MW Solar Plant in U.S. (Arizona), Reuters, Feb. 21.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2153612420080221?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews

A Green Collar Recession? Green Wombat, Feb. 19.
http://blogs.business2.com/greenwombat/2008/02/a-green-collar.html

Congress Tries Again To Extend Solar Tax Credits, Forbes.com, Feb. 18
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/02/18/solar-renewable-energy-mar...

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3. Industry Meetings

WIREC – ONE WEEK AWAY! Get SEIA member discount by using code wirec119. The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference takes place March 4-6 in Washington, D.C. Meetings bring together government and business leaders from around the world to address the benefits of a rapid scale-up and global deployment of renewable energy. Includes an extensive business trade show and exhibit hall. Learn more at www.wirec2008.gov.

SOLAR POWER 2008 – Sponsorships still available! Exhibit Hall sold out. Plan to attend the largest solar industry event in North America from October 13 to 16 in San Diego. Mark your calendar and check the conference Web site for updates: www.solarpowerconference.com