On February 27, 2008 the House passed a $18 billion renewable energy tax incentive package by a vote of 236-182. The incentives include a three year extension of the renewable energy tax credit that encourages development of wind and solar power that is due to expire this year.

The bill, known as the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 (HR 5351) now heads to the Senate, where negotiations are likely to be more contentious.

Audubon strongly supports the bill because the incentives have the ability to continue the development of clean energy sources that will slow global warming.

HR 5351 extends tax incentives for renewable energy production, energy efficiency in commercial buildings, investment in solar electric systems, use of efficient home heating and cooling equipment, production of efficient home appliances, efficiency retrofits to existing homes, and consumer purchases of energy efficient products.

The incentives in HR 5351 would remain effective for multiple years, which is essential for the development of the clean energy technology industries. Congress has historically extended the clean energy incentives in two-year increments, which creates a boom-bust cycle for the technologies covered by the incentives. This cycle undermines the efficient development of the clean energy technology industries into mature industries.

Having the incentives in place for years also allows for better wind power siting practices since industry gets more planning lead time and conservation groups have more time to evaluate whether a potential development poses a risk to bird populations. Audubon's recently enacted wind policy strongly supports properly sited wind energy.